Indeed!
Known as the "Walking Palm," scientifically referred to as Socratea exorrhiza or "cashapona," these trees can reach impressive heights of up to 80 feet. It is believed that they have the ability to gradually relocate themselves from their original root location, appearing to "walk" in the direction of sunlight.
From Unbelievable Facts:
John H. Bodley, in 1980, gave a scientific explanation of the “walking palm” trees phenomenon. According to him, the unusual stilt roots of the Socratea exorrhiza allow the trees to right themselves if any other tree or plant collapses on them. The palm trees then start to grow normally, rooted in one spot. Then, another plant or tree suddenly falls and flattens the original stem. When that happens, new stilt roots start to grow from the old stem, and the old roots slowly start to die.
The palm tree then starts growing normally again but moves away from the original germination spot and starts growing from the new roots. This entire process makes the trees shift slowly from their original germination spot.
Though most scientists disagree on this, Peter Vršanský, a paleobiologist from the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, has claimed to have seen this marvel with his own eyes. In his words, when the soil erodes, these palm trees grow new, long roots that soon find an anchor on more solid ground. As the drama unfolds, these new roots slowly settle in the new soil. Consequently, to keep up with the legs, the palm tree bends slowly toward its new roots, and the old roots slowly lift into the air. Is that walking? According to Vršanský, this entire process of relocating to a new place with better sunlight and more solid ground can take a few years. But, none of the theories are confirmed.
But, in reality, no one has seen these trees walk.
Well, regardless of whether these theories are true or not, "Walking Palms" are certainly a fascinating species of trees, and you can't help but marvel at the natural ingenuity these plants use to continue their survival.
