This weird fern is the first known plant that turns its dead leaves into new roots
The tree fern Cyathea rojasiana gets thrifty to survive in Panama’s Quebrada Chorro forest
![A photograph of a Cyathea rojasiana tree fern surrounded by fallen leaves.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/012924_di_fern_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Cyathea rojasiana tree ferns seem to thrive in Panama’s Quebrada Chorro forest by turning their dead leaves into tiny roots that seek out pockets of nutrient-rich soil.
J. Dalling