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Do plants have chemical weapons? Almost all plants are attacked by plant-eating animals of one kind or another. Many defend themselves by producing chemicals that make their leaves and stems either unpleasant to taste or sometimes even poisonous when eaten. Despite these chemical weapons, there are still plenty of creatures that are unaffected and happily continue to eat the plant's tissues. Despite its chemical weapons, a mature oak tree may have about 300 kinds of insects living on it.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Nature Chapter: Unusual Plants