Almendro Tree Uses Lightning to Boost Its Growth, Found in Panama

In Panama’s rainforests, researchers discovered a tree that doesn’t just survive lightning—it thrives. The Almendro tree (Dipteryx oleifera) shocked scientists when they saw it grow faster after being hit by lightning. While most trees weaken or die, this one becomes healthier. Scientists published the findings in New Phytologist.

Researchers Track Lightning Using Advanced Tools

To study this rare reaction, scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the University of Louisville, and other institutions used towers, sensors, and drones. They tracked lightning strikes over a 50-hectare area on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. Over several years, they confirmed 18 lightning strikes and monitored tree growth before and after each event.

Almendro Outperforms Other Trees

Not all trees responded the same way. Some species decayed or suffered long-term damage. However, the Almendro stood out for its surprising resilience. “Instead of dying off, this particular species seemed to take the hit and bounce back better than before,” said Evan Gora, lead author and forest ecologist with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Lightning Reduces Competition for Resources

The research showed that trees hit by lightning grew faster and produced healthier leaves in the following years. Scientists believe this happens because nearby trees might die or weaken, leaving behind more sunlight and soil nutrients. As a result, trees like the Almendro take full advantage of the extra resources. Until now, scientists didn’t think lightning had such a strong influence on forests. But this study shows it can change how forests grow and recover. Lightning is common in tropical areas, and experts expect it to become more frequent due to climate change.

Findings Could Help Forest Management

These results could help conservationists plan better for the future. Knowing which trees can survive—or even benefit from—lightning can shape how we protect forests. “In a way, nature has its own reset button,” Gora said. “Some trees are better equipped to survive, and they make the most of it.” This discovery changes how we understand natural disturbances. While lightning often causes damage, in some cases, it can actually help forests recover. The Almendro tree’s unusual reaction shows that nature sometimes uses destruction to create new growth.