Do Plants Perform Best With Family or Strangers? Researchers Consider Social Interactions

Poppies and oilseed rape Poppies and other wild flowers mix in with the crop at the edge of the bridleway

A growing body of work suggests plants recognize and respond to the presence and identity of their neighbours. But can plants cooperate with their relatives? While some studies have shown that siblings perform best -- suggesting altruism towards relatives -- other studies have shown that when less related plants grow together the group can actually outperform siblings. This implies the group benefits from its diversity by dividing precious resources effectively and competing less. - Science Daily

This small article in Science Daily held some interesting thoughts about the permaculture practise of guilds: Do Plants Perform Best With Family or Strangers? Researchers Consider Social Interactions