Most of the forest lives in the shadow of the giants that make up the highest canopy. These are the oldest trees, with hundreds of children and grandchildren. They check in with their neighbors, share food, supplies and wisdom gained over their lives, all while rooted in place. How do they do this? Camille Defrenne and Suzanne Simard explore the vast root system and intricate communication of trees. [Directed by Avi Ofer, narrated by Bethany Cutmore-Scott, music by WORKPLAYWORK and Cem Misirlioglu].

Camille Defrenne and Suzanne Simard: The secret language of trees

The secret language of trees

Forests thrive on intricate underground networks where trees and fungi exchange sugars and nutrients, fostering mutual growth.

Mycorrhizae, acting as forest internet, enable trees to share resources and warnings, underpinning an ecosystem's resilience.

Trees discern the origin of nutrients and signals, even identifying kin, hinting at a complex, sentient forest community.