I'm a gardening expert and these six plants will astonish you with their 'superpowers'

Plants are more powerful than we think. In my new book, Plants with Superpowers, I reveal the hidden abilities of some of nature's most extraordinary plants. They can do everything from surviving atomic explosions, to counting, to changing their appearance to deter predators, to powering lights! So here are six plants with remarkable skills. I guarantee, you'll never look at them the same way ever again.

Edited extract from Plants with Superpowers: 75 Remarkable Plants for your Garden and Home, by David Domoney, published by Frances Lincoln priced £16.99 and availble from Amazon

Atom bomb survivors

If you thought snowdrops were tough, then consider the ginkgo biloba, better known as the ginkgo tree. These are truly prehistoric, with fossil evidence proving their existence more than 175 million years ago. But simply being ancient isn't what makes this deciduous conifer so extraordinary. Passing the test of time is impressive, but it's the incredible resilience of the ginkgo that truly sets it apart.

Throughout history, these trees have endured extreme conditions, but perhaps the most astonishing example of their survival was after an atomic bomb. When the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, six ginkgo trees standing less than a mile from the epicentre appeared utterly devastated. Their leaves were scorched, their branches charred, and they were exposed to intense radiation. Yet, against all odds, within a year, fresh green shoots began to emerge. These determined trees became a powerful symbol of hope and renewal in a place of destruction.

Today, ginkgo trees are a common sight along city streets, pictured main, not only for their beauty but also for their remarkable resistance to pollution, proving their endurance once again.

Nature's anti-freeze

Galanthus nivalis, or the Snowdrop, is a tough little plant. One of the first signs of new life in the calendar year, they are a welcome sight during the short, cold days of winter. But have you ever wondered how snowdrops can resist low temperatures and emerge through snow and frost? After all, the conditions are rarely optimal for bulb growth and would kill many other varieties of plant. Well, this tiny bloom's superpower is the many ways it can survive and thrive in midwinter. The snowdrop contains proteins which act as an "antifreeze" within the plant's cells.

These proteins are crucial for ensuring ice crystals don't form within the plant - keeping them happy and healthy. Not only this, but when the snowdrop tries to emerge through the cold, hard soil, its foliage forms into sharp points, helping it to break through rockhard surfaces. So while the rest of us are cosying up indoors, waiting with hope for the sunshine and warmth with the start of spring, these resilient little flowers are working hard to brighten up our gardens in the toughest conditions.

Plants that can count!

We're all familiar with the rather mesmerising and slightly sinister sight of a Venus flytrap's jaws snapping shut around an unsuspecting insect. The carnivorous plant's ability to trap food could easily be considered its superpower. But the system by which it attracts and traps insects is even more fascinating than you might think. The plant's hunting process relies on a form of memory recall - a highly-rare trait.

Inside the "mouth" of the plant, minuscule hair-like sensors play a crucial role in this process. When touched by an insect, they send a signal that triggers a countdown. If a second hair is brushed within 30 seconds, the trap instantly closes, locking in its prey. This incredible counting mechanism helps the Venus flytrap conserve valuable energy by ensuring its jaws are only triggered by movement - such as a live insect - rather than inanimate objects like fallen leaves or raindrops.

This helps make it a highly specialised predator, thriving in nutrient-poor environments where capturing prey is essential for survival. So next time you see a Venus flytrap in action, consider just how much smarter it is than you might ever have imagined.

Botanical shapeshifter

The spiked leaves and bright red berries of Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as holly, are a familiar and enjoyable sight, particularly over the festive season. But it has a shapeshifting secret. Many plants have ways of defending themselves from predators. Cacti have sharp spines. Roses, thorny prickles. Some are bittertasting or poisonous.

Holly has tough, spiky leaves. However, holly leaves first grow with the same lush, emerald-green look but with completely smooth edges. But once herbivores like deer start using holly leaves as lunch, the plant retaliates. It identifies at what height the leaves are being snacked on and grows them back sharper. This deters herbivores from coming back for more; sharp leaves at their perfect eating height are no longer as palatable. Leaves higher up on the shrub, out of reach, retain their smooth edges; no need to change them if they're not at risk. This ability to grow different foliage shapes on a single plant has a name: heterophylla. What a fantastic way for this plant to protect itself.

Vegetable world's battery

The potato is a mealtime staple in the UK. From crisps to chips and countless other delectable delights, this root vegetable has earned its place on our dinner tables. You'd be forgiven for thinking its superpower lies in its sheer versatility for eating, but there's much more hiding beneath the surface. Beyond its culinary fame, the potato possesses the remarkable ability to generate

electricity. You may have seen the classroom experiment where a potato is used to power a lightbulb, a fascinating demonstration of science in action. But this isn't just a quirky trick - there's real potential here. A single, good-sized potato boasts a store of electrochemical energy waiting to be unleashed and can power an LED light for around 40 days. With the right set-up, it could even charge a mobile phone.

When metal diodes, such as zinc and copper, are inserted into a potato, a chemical reaction takes place, causing electrons to flow and releasing energy. This makes the potato an impressive organic power source. With further research, who knows? One day, the humble spud might help power more than just a lightbulb!

Once touched, twice shy

Most of us have come across the sensitive plant, mimosa pudica, at some point in our lives. They possess an undeniable superpower: the ability to move when touched. Even the gentlest contact can trigger an immediate response, causing the delicate leaves to fold in on themselves like a closing fan. Within seconds, the plant appears wilted and lifeless, as if it has been crushed. However, after just a few minutes, it gradually returns to its original state, as though nothing ever happened. But what causes this incredible reaction? The secret lies in the plant's cells.

When touched, potassium and chloride ions rapidly leave certain cells, forcing moisture to exit as well. This sudden loss of pressure causes the leaves to collapse almost instantly. High winds can also trigger this movement, leading scientists to believe that the reaction helps protect the plant from excessive damage in harsh weather conditions. Mimosa pudica is a perfect example of how plants, though seemingly passive, can actively respond to their environment in truly remarkable ways.