Determining the “most common plant in the world” is a complex question without a single, simple answer. The interpretation of “common” varies significantly depending on the metric used, whether it refers to the number of individual plants, the total area covered, or the diversity within a plant group. This nuanced understanding is crucial for appreciating the vastness and variety of plant life across the globe.
The Many Meanings of “Most Common”
The term “most common” can be understood through several different lenses. One perspective considers the sheer individual count, focusing on the total number of individual plants present globally. Another metric is total biomass, which measures the collective weight of all plants belonging to a particular species or group. Geographic spread, or the total land or sea area a plant occupies, offers a different understanding of commonness.
Species diversity, measured by the number of different species in a plant family, highlights evolutionary success. Differentiation is also important between plants common due to human cultivation and those naturally widespread.
Top Contenders Across Categories
Considering these varied definitions, several plant groups and species emerge as leading contenders. Angiosperms, or flowering plants, represent the largest and most diverse group of plants, accounting for approximately 80% of all known green plant species. Their evolutionary success stems from efficient reproductive strategies, including the development of flowers and fruits, which facilitate pollination and seed dispersal. They dominate terrestrial environments globally, from tundras to rainforests.
Among human-cultivated plants, wheat stands out as exceptionally common. It is grown yearly on about 215 million hectares, an area larger than any other staple food crop, and is consumed by billions worldwide. A single wheat field can contain an estimated 150 plants per square meter, leading to a global population potentially reaching hundreds of trillions of individual plants. This vast cultivation makes wheat a frontrunner in terms of both cultivated area and individual count.
Grasses, belonging to the family Poaceae, are another highly successful group. With around 10,000 species, they are found on all continents except Antarctica and thrive in nearly every environment. Their adaptability allows them to form significant biomass across various ecosystems, from savannas to agricultural lands.
Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is a single species that is remarkably widespread naturally, thriving in temperate and tropical regions across all continents except Antarctica. Its ability to colonize diverse habitats and its prolific spread through underground rhizomes contribute to its extensive geographic distribution.
Why Some Plants Thrive Globally
A plant’s ability to become widespread and abundant depends on several biological and ecological factors. Adaptability is a significant trait, allowing plants to thrive in diverse climatic conditions and soil types. This flexibility enables them to colonize new areas and withstand environmental fluctuations.
Efficient reproductive strategies also contribute significantly to a plant’s success. These include prolific seed production, effective dispersal mechanisms like wind or animal dispersal, and vegetative propagation, where new plants grow from existing plant parts. The resilience of a plant, encompassing its resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors, further enhances its ability to persist and spread. Human influence, through cultivation, accidental spread, and the creation of modified landscapes, plays a substantial role in making certain species globally common.