by Lydia Holley                                         July 28, 2025

In the middle of the Panama Canal lies Barro Colorado Island. On the island is a certain palm tree (Socratea exorrhiza) that is known for its unusual ability (for a plant) to walk. It’s commonly called the Walking Palm. This is not the only place the Walking Palm grows, but it is the first place scientists have observed it walking. 

How can a tree move? The answer lies in its unusual roots. It has a singular slender trunk that grows up to 80 ft tall, with palm fronds feathering out the top much like Big Bird. But the roots do not just grow underground. They grow out of the trunk from several feet aboveground, holding the tree up, and looking a lot like the bottom end of a broom, or “stilts.” It is these tall roots that hold the answer to how the tree moves. 

Supposedly, new roots can grow to one side. As they take hold, older roots break off at ground level and eventually rot away, so that over time, the tree can slowly “walk” to another area. Of course, scientists are not in agreement with this phenomenon. Some say the trees definitely walk, though it takes a couple of years or more for it to complete the process. Some scientists say it is all a myth.

A research paper by Cecilia G. Williamson and Helene C. Muller-Landau states it is a misunderstanding stemming from this plant’s ability to reroot and re-sprout themselves after being knocked over. This results in the plant rooting in a different location and is something some other tropical trees also do.

Even if it is true they can shuffle a few feet, they may need more than the ability to walk to survive. These trees have declined sharply in Barro Colorado Island, although in other areas their populations have remained stable. 

To solve the mystery once and for all, perhaps time-lapse photography can be used, though it may take decades to determine. Personally, I tend to lean toward the palm trees being able to walk because plants are amazing. Taking a few steps here and there does not seem like such an incredible feat when you consider all plants do. 

For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected], or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.