Gold particles have been discovered in the leaves of one of the world’s most iconic trees thanks to a recent study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). These tiny particles were found in the leaves, stems and roots of the eucalyptus and it turned out to be research that has surprised the scientific community.
Natural defense mechanism of eucalyptus
It is important to remember that gold, a chemical element represented in the periodic table as ‹‹Au››, is a noble and heavy metal that is found in nature without being affected by other chemical elements. Furthermore, this precious metal is highly valued by its brightness and purity, but for plants, it can be toxic.
In the Kalgoorlie region of Western Australia, eucalyptus trees studied have shown the ability to transport gold particles from the soil to their leaves as a natural defense against this toxic element . Scientists came to this conclusion after carrying out special X-ray studies on the leaves of these trees, identifying each element present in their composition.
The process discovered indicates that when these trees absorb gold through their roots, it is distributed throughout the tree and is expelled through the leaves and stem, thus avoiding toxic accumulation inside the tree . This transport and expulsion mechanism is crucial for the survival of the eucalyptus.
Eucalyptus: gold particle detector
These trees, which can reach heights of up to 100 meters, are appreciated for their size, aroma and medicinal properties. Now, in addition to these attributes, it has been revealed that this tree can also help us locate gold deposits , simply by observing its leaves.
The study detailing these findings was published in the scientific journal Nature , highlighting that the extensive roots of eucalyptus trees, which can exceed the length of the trunk itself, are key to finding gold in the subsoil in a less invasive way.
In addition to its ability to detect gold, This tree has an important role in the local ecology because its leaves, rich in essential oils, are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems and as a natural insect repellent, showing once again the varied functionality of this incredible tree.
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Source: ensedeciencia
Photo: Shutterstock
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