Some plants can count — Venus flytraps use a number system to avoid false triggers
The Venus flytrap only snaps shut when two of its trigger hairs are touched within 20 seconds of each other. But recent research revealed something stranger: the plant counts electrical signals. One touch primes it. Two triggers closure. Three signals it to start producing digestive enzymes. Five signals it to produce maximum digestive output. The plant 'knows' the number of touches and adjusts its response accordingly — without a nervous system, a brain, or any neurons at all.
Counting is considered a cognitive function requiring brain structure. Finding that a plant with no neurons performs a numerical counting function — and uses it to regulate different biochemical responses — completely disrupts the boundary between plant life and animal cognition.
“Venus flytraps can count. One touch primes them. Two closes the trap. Three starts digestion. Five = maximum output. No brain, no neurons — just electrochemical counting. 🪴 #OddlyHuman”