Nurse tree

The nurse tree can provide shade, shelter from wind, and protection from animals that would feed on the smaller plant and significant changes in temperature.

[1] Fallen leaves from the nurse tree fertilize the ground underneath creating nutrient-rich soil for the saplings and vegetation beneath.

[1] The nurse tree relationship occurs both naturally and via human intervention.

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) and larch (Larix) can function as nurses for hardwoods.

As the Saguaro grows larger, it may compete with its nurse tree for resources, hastening its death.