Episode Information

You think plants are boring, slow or passive? Far from it! They show complex reactions to light, sound and touch. Most plants must race to beat their competition to the best light spots – because it is vital to gain as much energy for making a good living. And like in the animal kingdom, different species have developed a near unending list of strategies to ensure their legacy is passed on.

But this is by no means all: Plants have evolved a host of tricks to deal with the elements, animal enemies or even other plants. They have an arsenal of defences, from thorns and spines to poi-sons and even live-in bodyguards.

The lives of plants are dominated by the need to become strong and pass on genes to the next generation. This two-part series shows the remarkable survival strategies of our green “room-mates” we share the planet with.