Ever see odd bulbs on leaves? discolored splotches? twists and curves that seem not to belong?
leaf galls.
It’s all sort of mind control really. Various species of fungi, mites, and insects have a special relationship with a particular species of plant. These gall makers actually change the plants tissue structure in order to benefit themselves. They create little shelters, safe havens, moist pads, and nutritious food to eat…all of those things… some of those things? none of those things? who knows? Scientists aren’t exactly sure why the galls are formed. But they are, by a sort of mind control. Secretions from the gall maker modify the “plant’s molecular signal pathways.” These secretions soak into the plants life stream and make the plant believe that it is in its own best interest to grow especially for the gall maker! THE GALL!!! Hopefully the gall maker at least says please first, and maybe shares a story or two every now and then.