When the Going Gets Tough, Does the Pollen Get Tougher?

April 6, 2023

 

I’ve propounded a number of odd theories, many of which actually turned out to be true. So I feel a little better about asking this question:

 

When plants get planted in places that are not their natural habitat, do they have to work harder to propagate? A tree that would spread seeds onto the woods floor now has to drop its seeds in grass, and hope that they make it. Similarly, trees that attract pollinators by their scent now have to compete with exhaust fumes, fertilizers, and other smells.

 

So, do they get tougher? Do the seeds develop the ability to pierce the grass roots?  Does the pollen become more potent?

 

I’d like to see if people are less allergic to trees that grow in their native habitats than they are to trees that are planted in parts of the country where they don’t belong. Maybe if the pollen didn’t have to work so hard, it wouldn’t be as potent.

 

Just a thought.

 

(Related topic: Do birds sing more loudly to be heard over traffic, construction noises and other loud, constant sounds?)