The intense electrical charge delivered by a lightning strike can obliterate most foliage, especially in tropical regions where research suggests more than 800 million trees are destroyed each year due to lightning strikes. But …in some cases, lightning might benefit certain trees and provide a competitive advantage. Researchers, led by Evan Gora, a forest ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies …examined 93 trees that had been struck by lightning in central Panama. …According to the study, each lightning strike to a Dipteryx oleifera tree killed approximately 9.2 neighbouring trees due to the electricity traveling between branches or vines. This creates more space and resources for the Dipteryx oleifera. The trees also benefit from strikes because it helps remove parasitic vines called lianas, which can reduce light and nutrient availability. …In the long term, the lightning-strike tolerance of these trees could play a key role in forest planning and restoration efforts.