An interesting question , let me appreciate that..

There is hardly any direct evidence to claim that ..However , some link could be anticipated . The effect of lightening on plants is through the amount of heat generated and plant roots forge ahead its growth through geotropic

nature within growing medium..

Good and interesting discussion

The only similarity lies in the "self-similarity" of the structures --- both the classes are "Fractals"

It is the easiest of path of electrical discharge as per the principle of least action.

All trees do not, however, have such alike roots, such as those of Banana, Coconut, etc.

Lightning is attracted to pointed ends of discharge and the lighting arresters mimic tree roots in this characteristic. Tree roots growth response on the other hand, is in the direction of nutrients and water.

Apart from the similarities as already given in my reply, what extra similarities have you observed so far and so forth?

A very potent reply by Agnes , I agree with you. Hardly any direct evidence we have so far...

This the famous "principle of least action" in physical sciences

Dr Karmakar , we will appreciate , if you can further elaborate the principle of least action describing plants roots response to lightening...thanks a lot

In a much more pertinent way, the flow of a natural phenomenon, protracts the behaviour of the flow. Tendrils of plants have those tendencies, which through sensing the environment around, applies the movement that is condusive to growth. As a condition is acquired, the tendril latches onto that condition or in the case of tendrils, a supporting meme. That character of growth, would mosg probably be largely dependent on the types of movement that the environment in which that natural phenenon exists.

It states as follows:

Whenever a dynamical system moves from one point to another, it does it in such a way that the temporal integral of its total Lagrangian between these two points is an extremum.

In layman's sense, the Nature is ever lazy. It always adopts the easiest path out of all the possible available paths to evolve and grow.

The directional flow of water and nutritional compounds in soil followed by plant roots is also dictated by it. It goes as a look of lightening patterns in accordance with the principle.

Interesting Dr Karmakar . How does plant bypass the conventional sensing of flow of nutrient and water , the flow of root growth is usually dictated by such directional flow and moreover geotropic nature of roots are further averted by tightening ..?? I have my own doubt on this issue..Then what kind of changes in root behavior in response to lightening is anticipated compared to response with nutrient or water...

A soil predominantly deficient in nutrients and exposed to water stress could be having much waeker sensing ability , that can be easily understood and can be potentially influenced by lightening..

Is the any published work , Dr Karmakar , kindly share with us...