Researchers discover unique zombie plant. University of Illinois researchers found that the fern changes the inner part of its dead and dying leaves.
New fine roots grow from the tips of the leaves, which penetrate the soil and supply the mother plant with nitrogen. The midrib of the leaf changes and forms new vascular tissue. This transformation prevents rotting while the rest of the Leaf withers. Hence the name “zombie plant” Plants have to get creative in volcanic soil. Plants there have to be creative to get nutrients.