One Thrives, the Others struggle to Survive

Many of us have a rather naive view of the Plant Kingdom, where all of our green friends strive to get along, cooperate, and live in harmony among one another in their immobile (and therefore uncomplicated) worlds.  Strange shifts in our worldview can begin when we learn that plants and trees can be just as cutthroat with one another as human beings, all without moving a single muscle.

For example, look at the eucalyptus tree:

Commonly known as Australian Koala Bear fodder, the eucalyptus tree is capable of decimating many of its companions in the forest via the strategic manipulation of fire. Eucalyptus trees are not only designed to withstand fire, but they secrete oils that stimulate fire (and explosive ones at that).  To complete their firestorm repertoire, the Eucalyptus tree also drops leaves that no insect or bacterium in its right mind can readily decompose, thereby creating a surplus of kindling to tempt any wee little flame that ambles by.   After a fire, the Eucalyptus tree stands scorched but alive, quietly chuckling at the masterful elimination of many of its competitors.

Despite these and other murderous impulses among members of the Plant Kingdom, I can't help but invite many green friends into my home.  Each one grows in its own shape and size and it is easy to revert to the naivete that all plants are good-hearted and cooperative.  Of my interior green friends, one of my favorites is the Jade plant:

The Jade plant is a good luck charm in Asia.   The bright green color of the leaves represents growth while the shape of Jade leaf is close to that of jade coins, thereby symbolizing wealth and prosperity.   I have learned to avoid placing my thriving Jade "Money Trees" anywhere near my other house plants, because by coincidence or by design, any plant I place adjacent withers and threatens to die.

Unlike the Eucalyptus tree, there is no scientific basis for the Jade's impact on my other poor, defenseless houseplants, but there is plenty of metaphorical basis for the behavior.  When the Jade thrives, the others struggle to survive.

In her immobile innocent green-ness, the Jade gives me a much needed but gentle reminder of the false god of fortune who lurks in the shadows of everyday American consumerism.