Allelopathy

Allelopathy is when one plant releases chemicals that affect other nearby plants. This can happen in a forest or in your own garden.

Imagine you are playing a game where you throw a ball with your friend. You have some special powder on your hands that your friend doesn't have. When you throw the ball, the powder comes off and lands on your friend's hands. Now they have the powder on their hands too.

In a similar way, plants release chemicals called allelochemicals that can affect other plants. These chemicals can come from the roots, leaves or flowers of the plant. For example, you might have noticed that some weeds are very good at crowding out other plants in your garden. That might be because they release allelochemicals that make it hard for other plants to grow.

Sometimes, allelopathy can also help plants. For example, some plants release chemicals that help to defend against insects or fungi.

Overall, allelopathy is an important way that different plants can affect each other and can have both positive and negative effects.