In this article, the phenomenon of generation of corona discharges on the t
ops of trees and plants is described. In the first part of the text, the co
nditions for generation of this electric field which leads to formation of
corona discharge and transfer of electric charge between atmosphere and Ear
th, are discussed. Experimental results of the onset voltage and its depend
ence on the discharge parameters are presented. The coincidence between rel
eased species from corona burning point and surrounding atmosphere is also
discussed. Equation for the calculation of critical intensity of the electr
ic field and onset voltage in dependence on radius of the tip are also disc
ussed and compared with experimental data and equations for current-voltage
characteristics are described. The attempt to explain differences between
theory and measured data is proposed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri
ghts reserved.