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The Green Planet, a new documentary series (系列纪录片), gives us a new look at plants and shows the secret lives of plants.

Plants compete against each other to live. Each species has its own ways of defense. In tropical rainforests, different kinds of plants race for sunlight. The forest floor is described as a “battlefield” in the series as only two percent of the sunlight filters (过滤，渗入) through it. Some plants like Monstera (龟背竹属植物) spread their big leaves to reach light. But they are caught up in a vine (藤本植物) that tries to hitch a ride. Finally, they are both overtaken by a fast-growing balsa (轻木) tree. As the balsa has slippery hairs on its leaves, the vine can’t get a hold. Similarly, some trees make poisonous sap (毒汁) to protect themselves.

Plants also help each other and even communicate. In deserts, the roots of Euphrates poplar (胡杨) are connected. If a tree finds water, it will share it with others through the roots. Studies also show that plants use fungus (真菌，霉菌) in the soil as a way to “talk” to each other. It’s kind of like how Wi-Fi works. If a tomato plant gets a leaf disease, it can tell nearby plants about it.

The series not only makes us surprised at the plant world but pushes us to understand that plants are important.