Headaches in Trees

Researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research have learned that walnut trees medicate themselves when stressed. What stresses trees? you ask. Drought, pollution, unseasonable temperatures. That sort of thing.

The researchers found that stressed walnut trees produce methyl salicylate, which is a chemical form of acetylsalicylic acid, known to the chemistry-class challenged as aspirin. The methyl salicylate boosts trees defenses from injury.

Does the self-medication also help the tree "feel" better? Is it possible a life form without a nervous system can experience "suffering" in some way I can't imagine? Hmm. It occurs to me that further discovery along these lines might have serious implications for vegetarians. Just joking. I think.