If you could invent/ create a new plant, what might it be like?

Question

It's nice to give your imagination a treat. Close your eyes, dream a little and see what amazing plants you can dream up.

Answer 1

Hi Hairy,

This is a very interesting question!

The paradox I see with this is that all too often humans think they have a great idea in response to a problem, but then when that idea is put to the test, something goes wrong!  We are starting to see possible signs of that with some genetically-modified foods (see link below).

Ok, so I'm off of my soapbox now, and closing my eyes...

I think I would create a perennial plant that produced (through its photosynthesis) both oxygen and water from the carbon dioxide, hydrogen and oxygen contained in our atmosphere.  Because it is creating its own water from the hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere, it would NOT need to be watered.

It would have a number of large leaves that you could easily harvest daily as lettuce without killing or removing the plant and two large fruits (also easily harvested daily without harm to the plant) that tasted like a strawberry-banana-peach.  Because the leaves and fruit can be harvested daily, it will be able to regenerate its leaves and fruit in one day, if stimulated by harvesting.

This plant would be very easily grown as a crop or in backyards.  It would NOT be able to spread beyond where it was planted (so, it would not become a pest plant that would crowd out native plants in an area).  Also, this plant would not be susceptible to any attacks/infestations of insects or disease... ever!

I hope you liked my plant!

Take care...

Hiking Tony

Answer 2

You just have to look at my question! My plant would scuttle around at relatively high speeds, have fronds/tendrils poking out at all angles, and would devour anything smaller than it that chooses to be in its way!

Now THAT'S a plant!