Yellow 'grows' on the tree

Scientists have said for the first time that gold can grow on trees when small gold particles are found on eucalyptus and eucalyptus leaves, opening up possibilities to detect precious metal reserves underground.

According to Live Science, scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia found the first evidence that Australian eucalyptus trees have yellow seeds on plant parts. , thus being able to reveal precious metal storage underground.

The researchers studied eucalyptus leaves, branches and bark with a height of 10m from two places in Australia, a place in the west and a place in the south. The first evidence shows that natural gold particles are present in the living tissue of eucalyptus trees. Previous exploratory drills showed that these areas had gold lying deep underground but were not disturbed by gold digging activities.

A eucalyptus tree where researchers collect samples of leaves and twigs to conduct research and detect extremely small gold particles.(Photo: Melvyn Lintern)

Results of X-ray analysis detected gold particles about 8 microns in size, 10 times thinner than the average size of the hair, in the cells of the plant. Field analysis samples and greenhouse experiments show that these gold particles exist in low concentrations, are not enough to damage plants and are absorbed by roots and transported to parts such as leaves and places. The researchers observed the highest concentration.

"We were stunned to learn the ability to nurture the golden seeds of eucalyptus trees from the depths of tens of meters," Melvyn Lintern, geochemist of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. Common prosperity in Australia, said.

However, the researchers recommend not to exploit gold from these eucalyptus trees. The amount of gold on the tree is extremely small, with about 500 silks or even more, it is possible to get enough gold to make a ring.

Instead, the eucalyptus tree can help gold miners identify underground gold mines, thus limiting search time, money and effort.

Scientists focused on eucalyptus trees because earlier traces of gold were found in the soil around these trees. However, until now, researchers have not been sure whether eucalyptus actually absorbs precious metals from underground mines or simply because the wind blows gold dust from other places. They also hope that one day research results can help with gold mining activities, especially since the discovery of new metal mines containing this precious metal has decreased by 45% over the past 10 years.