Is Groot Actually Called Tree?

Have you ever watched Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War and wondered if Groot, one of Thor's best friends, is actually called 'Tree'? Let's dive into the details and explore this fascinating character from Thor's perspective.

Marvel's Real Name for Groot

As established in the movie, when Thor introduces Groot to Captain America, he calls Groot 'Tree.' However, this is not his actual name. Groot's full name reflects the essence of his species, which is simply 'Groot.' Every member of the Flora Colossi race shares this name. The unique language of Groot and his species sounds like 'I am Groot,' which is as close as they come to having a 'full name.'

Fun fact: 'Groot' in both Dutch and Afrikaans means 'big,' reflecting the character's immense size and Earth-like representation.

Is Groot Actually a Tree?

Now, we must address the question of whether Groot can be classified as a tree based on our earthly standards. Despite his name and similar appearance to trees, Groot does not fit the criteria for a true tree.

Groot lacks roots, which are essential for drawing water and minerals from the ground. Furthermore, he doesn't have enough green parts to perform photosynthesis, a key process for trees to sustain themselves. It's worth noting that during what we see as 'winter,' Groot sheds his foliage, resembling a deciduous tree. However, this does not indicate a dormant state, as it's possible he might still be photosynthesizing, just not visibly so.

The structure of Groot's body is more akin to that of an amphibian than a tree. For instance, he has been seen regenerating limbs without bleeding or showing visible signs of damage, much like how an amphibian might heal a wound. This regenerative ability further emphasizes Groot's unique nature and sets him apart from traditional plants.

Language and Identity

Thor, being literal, refers to Groot as 'Tree' based on his appearance and not his name. This is a playful and whimsical call that captures the essence of Groot's character, much like how Rocket is referred to as 'rabbit.' In the comics, Groot's full name is even more detailed: 'His Divine Majesty King Groot the 23rd Monarch of Planet X, custodian of the branch worlds, ruler of all the shades.'

Despite this grand title, when compared to his comic counterpart, Groot's language and vocabulary in the films have become more limited, which aligns better with his on-screen character.