How does a willow protect its leaves?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

July 18, 2001

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Willows (Salix species) [say' licks] have evolved to live in moist or swampy places where insects abound. They have also had to evolve defenses against the hordes of insects that wish only to eat their leaves. Among other things, willows produce salicylic acid, the main
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chemical of aspirin.

Aspirin acts on muscle tissue, causing it to relax. That's one of the reasons why aspirin works as a pain reliever. Muscles tighten or cramp in areas of injury. Aspirin lets those muscles give. Relaxed muscles aren't sending as many pain signals to the brain. Which is also why aspirin is so effective on chewing insects.

A few bites of a willow leaf and the insect cannot control its legs. It simply falls off of the willow. Or if the insect manages to stay on the willow and continue eating, it will starve to death. The muscles of the stomach and intestine are relaxed and cannot digest the food.

To view photograph of the graceful weeping willows, click on the link:

http://hjem.get2net.dk/finnch/kina%201.htm

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