Researchers studying lightning's effects on Panama's forests found that one tree, Dipteryx oleifera, often survives being hit by lightning — and even benefits from the overall effects.One of the ...

Lightning strike treatment in trees comes in two phases. First, take care of any hazardous situations such as broken or hanging branches. Then comes the hard part.

From 2014 to 2019, the system captured 94 lightning strikes on trees. Dr. Gora and his team visited sites to see which species had been struck.

Lucky strike. Lightning is often seen as a killer, leaving behind destruction and death of trees — but one tropical species has evolved to use the force of nature to its benefit.