It might sound improbable, but there’s a tree in Central and South America that doesn’t just survive lightning—it benefits from it.
Rethinking Lightning and Forests
In most cases, lightning is a death sentence for trees. Strikes can blast bark off trunks, ignite fires, and kill millions of trees globally each year—especially in tropical ecosystems. But emerging research reveals an outlier: Dipteryx oleifera, a species that may actually use lightning to gain a survival edge.
Remarkable Survival in Panama
In a recent study led by forest ecologist Evan Gora at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, scientists documented 93 lightning-struck trees in Panama. While most species showed severe damage—with nearly two-thirds dying within two years—Dipteryx oleifera stood out.
One instance involved a direct strike to a Dipteryx tree that remained upright and largely unscathed, while neighboring trees perished. In fact, nine Dipteryx trees in the study endured strikes with only superficial harm.
More Than Just a Tough Tree
Commonly known as choibá, almendro, or tonka bean, Dipteryx oleifera is native to parts of Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. It’s valued for:
- Extremely durable hardwood used in building
- Edible seeds that resemble almonds in flavor
- Nutrient-rich fruit that sustains wildlife during dry months
Why Lightning Works in Its Favor
The key to Dipteryx oleifera’s success may lie in its environment. These trees are taller than their neighbors—by an average of 4 meters—and feature wide crowns, making them more likely to attract lightning. In fact, they’re about 68% more likely to be struck than average canopy trees.
But here’s the twist: when lightning hits Dipteryx, it often travels along connecting vines or branches, destroying nearby trees without significantly harming the Dipteryx itself. This creates open space, increases sunlight, and reduces competition.
Lightning also eliminates climbing vines (lianas), which typically choke or shade trees. Some Dipteryx trees have even withstood multiple lightning strikes, with one specimen hit twice within five years.
A Natural Strategy for Survival
Over time, these destructive events seem to give Dipteryx oleifera a boost. The research suggests a 14% increase in reproductive success due to these environmental changes. With less competition and more light, these trees grow taller, live longer, and spread their seeds more effectively.
Why It Matters
As global temperatures rise and lightning becomes more frequent, understanding how certain species respond is critical. Trees like Dipteryx oleifera might play an important role in helping forests adapt to future conditions. This could shape conservation strategies and reforestation efforts, especially in regions prone to extreme weather.