Caffeine functions as a defense against competing plants and fungi by slowing their growth and preventing new plants and fungi from establishing when present in fallen leaves and seeds.

causalpending

Speaker

MinuteEarth (Cameron, Kate, David, or Henry)

Evidence Quote

When caffeine-laden leaves and seeds fall to the ground, the molecule both slows the growth of nearby competitors and stops new plants and fungi from growing.

Source

How Caffeine Accidentally Took Over The WorldMinuteEarth
Created: 8/13/2026, 4:50:46 AM

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