Million-volt advantage: Here’s how certain trees evolved to love lightning

Some tropical tree species have evolved to survive and benefit from lightning strikes. The Dipteryx oleifera tree can withstand direct hits, while surrounding trees and vines are killed, reducing competition for resources. A study in Panama found these trees are taller than neighbors and may attract lightning every 56 years on average. This lightning tolerance significantly increases their reproductive success, suggesting an evolutionary advantage. Researchers are now investigating the specific traits that allow these trees to survive powerful electrical strikes.