Biologist Alina Schick developed trees that grow sideways, instead of growing upwards. Called GraviPlant, these plants seem to challenge the force of gravity indeed. Schick used a clever trick to make that happen and she hopes this unusual technique will become a new way to go green in the city.


The biologist carried out an experiment at the University of Hohenheim, in Germany, during which she attached different plants in pots to a disc that rotated horizontally. In that way light and gravity were no longer having effect on the plant from a single direction.


To change the direction of growth, the most important thing to know is which elements affect the plant stability. Besides gravitation, light and temperature, the continual rotation also affects the plant stability. A tree made to grow horizontally has to endure a constant push and pull in various directions, this can completely alter the properties of the wood.


Imagine how this eye-catching method could change the aspects of urban areas.



Source: DW

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