Why do woman in the metamorphoses of Ovid turn into trees?

In Ovid's "Metamorphoses," women often transform into trees as a means of escape from unwanted advances or oppressive situations. These transformations symbolize their desire for autonomy and protection, reflecting themes of resistance against male violence and desire. For example, Daphne turns into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's pursuit, illustrating the struggle between desire and the need for self-preservation. This metamorphosis serves both as a form of punishment for the aggressors and as a means of empowerment for the women, granting them a form of immortality in nature.