Study of Plants

STUDY OF PLANTS

Sri savitribai phule polytechnic, puneSTUDY OF PLANTSIshan Shikarkhane, Zainulabdeen Sayeed, Suyash Shinde2/25/2014This report is about the various plants in our ecosystem and their properties and how they are useful to us.

Abstract

Trees in India known for their grandeur and majesty are like the green pearl in the Indian crown. Trees occupy the important place in the history of India. Nature has blessed us with almost aninfinite variety of plant species, all with some orthe other aesthetic value. Rarely does one get time these days to think andstudy about the plant life that surrounds us.Its now high time that we realise how intense it is to cut a tree and how devastating it can be, if treescease to exist. Plants have been classified into three main categories: the TREES, the SHRUBS and the HERBS. Together these account for the plant kingdom. In the project report to follow, it has been attempted to describe certain important members of this vastfamily, which wouldcertainly be an encouragement for the readersto continue withtheir endeavour.

INTRODUCTION

Plants, also called green plants, arelivingmulti-cellular organismsof thekingdomPlantae. Green plants have cell walls with cellulose and characteristically obtain most of their energy fromsunlightviaphotosynthesisusingchlorophyll contained inchloroplasts, which gives them their green colour. Some plants areparasiticand have lost the ability to produce normal amounts of chlorophyll or to photosynthesize. Plants are also characterized bysexual reproduction,modularandindeterminate growth, and analternation of generations, although asexual reproduction is common.

Precise numbers are difficult to determine, but as of 2010, there are thought to be 300315 thousandspeciesof plants, of which the great majority, some 260290 thousand, areseed plants(see thetable below).Green plants provide most of the world's molecular oxygenand are the basis of most of the earth's ecologies, especially on land. Plants described asgrains,fruitsandvegetablesform mankind's basic foodstuffs, and have been domesticated for millennia. Plants serve as ornaments and, until recently and in great variety, they have served as the source of most medicines and drugs. Their scientific study is known asbotany, a branch ofbiology.

Plants are one of the two groups into which all living things were traditionally divided; the other is animals. The division goes back at least as far as Aristotle(384BC 322BC) who distinguished between plants which generally do not move, and animals which often are mobile to catch their food. Much later, whenLinnaeus(17071778) created the basis of the modern system ofscientific classification, these two groups became the kingdomsVegetabilia (later Metaphyta or Plantae) andAnimalia. Since then, it has become clear that the plant kingdom as originally defined included several unrelated groups, and thefungiand several groups ofalgaewere removed to new kingdoms. However, these organisms are still often considered plants, particularly in popular contexts.

Outside of formal scientific contexts, the term "plant" implies an association with certain traits, such as being multi cellular, possessingcellulose, and having the ability to carry out photosynthesis.

Characteristics of plants

All living things, despite differences in appearance and size, share basic characteristics. Organisms:

Are composed ofcells, the smallest units able to conduct the functions of living.

Havegenes, sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) that carry the instructions for the organization and functioning of the organism.

Are made principally of four elementscarbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogenwhich were most abundant when the first life appeared eons ago on an early Earth. They combine to form the familiar compounds associated with life, such aswater (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3) and a host of others.

Needenergyto conduct theirmetabolism(all of the chemical processes occurring within their bodies).

Requirematerialsfrom the environment to both build and maintain their bodies.

Are structurallyorganized. Multi-cellular organisms buildtissues(groups of similar cells that perform certain functions) andorgans(structures formed of different tissues that act as a group to perform specialized functions).

Reactto stimuli andrespond, therebyadaptingto their environment.

Grow(increase in size or weight).

Reproduce, producing offspring that insure the continuity of the genetic code from generation to generation.

Evolve(change over time).

Special characteristics of plants

A plant has all the features of organisms listed above and, in addition most plants have the followingspecial plant characteristics:

Plants canphotosynthesize(capture light energy and make organic compounds from inorganic materials), which makes them different but not uniquea few other organisms also are photosynthetic, such as some algae and bacteria.

In thelife cycleof plants there is analternation of generationsin which two genetically different plant bodies alternate: a haploidgametophyte alternates with a diploidsporophyte.

Plants develop fromembryos, immature sporophytes formed by a fusion of egg and sperm cells, supported by no reproductive gametophyte tissue.

Plants haveindeterminate growth. While animals reach a certain size and stop growing, plant cells in theirmeristematic tissuesretain the ability to divide and grow throughout the life of the plant.

Plants aresedentary, unlike most animals, but have evolved myriad ways to obtain the materials they need for their metabolism and efficient ways to reproduce and distribute their genes while anchored in one place.

Althoughlacking the nervous systemsof animals, plants react and adapt to environmental stimuli (with dramatic and surprising speed in some instances); they also producesecondary metabolites, chemical compounds not directly needed for survival, which deter other plants, fungi, and animals from attacking or consuming the plants.

The terrestrial plants of today have evolved with adependence on water(inherited from their aquatic ancestors); they have developed an elaborate system for obtaining, moving, using, and retaining water for all their metabolic processes and reproductive needs.

Evolution of plants

The evolution of plants has resulted in increasinglevels of complexity, from the earliestalgal mats, throughbryophytes,lycopods,fernsto the complexgymnospermsandangiospermsof today. The groups which appeared earlier continue to thrive, especially in the environments in which they evolved.

Evidence suggests that an algal scum formed on the land1,200million years ago, but it was not until theOrdovician Period, around450million years ago, that land plants appeared.]However, new evidence from the study of carbon isotope ratios in Precambrian rocks has suggested that complex photosynthetic plants developed on the earth over 1000 m.y.a.These began to diversify in the lateSilurian Period, around420million years ago, and the fruits of their diversification are displayed in remarkable detail in an earlyDevonianfossil assemblage from theRhynie chert. This chert preserved early plants in cellular detail, petrified in volcanic springs. By the middle of the Devonian Period most of the features recognised in plants today are present, including roots, leaves and secondary wood, and by late Devonian times seeds had evolved.Late Devonian plants had thereby reached a degree of sophistication that allowed them to form forests of tall trees. Evolutionary innovation continued after the Devonian period. Most plant groups were relatively unscathed by thePermo-Triassic extinction event, although the structures of communities changed. This may have set the scene for the evolution of flowering plants in the Triassic (~200million years ago), which exploded in the Cretaceous and Tertiary. The latest major group of plants to evolve were the grasses, which became important in the mid Tertiary, from around40million years ago. The grasses, as well as many other groups, evolved new mechanisms of metabolism to survive the low CO2and warm, dry conditions of the tropics over the last10millionyears.

Structure and Growth of Plants

Most of the solid material in a plant is taken from the atmosphere. Through a process known asphotosynthesis, most plants use the energy insunlightto convertcarbon dioxidefrom the atmosphere, pluswater, into simplesugars. (Parasitic plants, on the other hand, use the resources of its host to grow.) These sugars are then used as building blocks and form the main structural component of the plant.Chlorophyll, a green-colored,magnesium-containingpigmentis essential to this process; it is generally present in plantleaves, and often in other plant parts as well.

Plants usually rely on soil primarily for support and water (in quantitative terms), but also obtaincompoundsofnitrogen,phosphorus,potassium, magnesium and other elementalnutrients. Epiphyticandlithophytesplants depend on air and nearby debris for nutrients, andcarnivorous plantssupplement their nutrient requirements with insect prey that they capture. For the majority of plants to grow successfully they also requireoxygenin the atmosphere and around their roots (soil gas) forrespiration. Plants use oxygen andglucose(which may be produced from stored starch) to provide energy.[30]Some plants grow as submerged aquatics, using oxygen dissolved in the surrounding water, and a few specialized vascular plants, such asmangroves, can grow with their roots inanoxicconditions.

Flora in India

TheFlora of Indiais one of the richest of the world due to a wide range of climate, topology and environments in the country. It is thought there are over 15000 species of flowering plants in India, which account for 6 percent of the total plant species in the world . Due to the wide range of climatic conditions, India holds rich variety of flora that no other country can boast of. India covers more than 45,000 species of flora, out of which there are several species that are not found anywhere else. Since ancient times, use of plants as a source of medicines has been the inherent part of life in India. There are more than 3000 officially documented plants in India that holds great medicinal potential. India comprises seven percent of world's flora. India is divided into main eight floristic regions namely - Western Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, Assam, Indus plain, Ganga plain, the Deccan, the Malabar and the Andaman.

Plant Kingdom

Trees in India known for their grandeur and majesty are like the green pearl in the Indian crown. Trees occupy the important place in the history of India. Trees have always been associated with wisdom andimmorality in India. Hindu literature describes a celestial tree as having its roots in the heaven and itsbranches in the underworld that unites and connects beings of every kind. Banyan is the National Tree of India. India's medicinal are no less diverse.Peepal, banyan (Bodhi tree), banana, and Tulsi are some ofthe plants that holds special cultural and religious significance in India. Indian Rosewood, Kikar, Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, Cork, Brahmi, Sal, Khair and Garden Asparagus are some of the popular treesgrown in India. Since ancient age, India isknown for itsefficient ayurvedic treatments, and the abundance of the plant life that it boasts of. India is known to be the land ofvarious medicinal herbs, and the juices secreted from the certain herbs obtained in forests are known tocure even dreaded diseases like cancer and even AIDS.

Following various types of trees discussed below:-

1. Banyan Tree.

2. Neem Tree.

3. Aloe vera.

4. Tusi Plant.

5. Teak Tree.

Banyan Tree :-

Kingdom :

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Magnoliopsida

Order :

Urticales

Family :

Moraceae

Genus :

Ficus

Zoological name :

Ficus Benghalensis

Found In :

Ranthambore National Park andCorbett National Park

Description :Banyan tree is a huge tree with very extensive branches. It is said that at one time more than 10, 000 people can sit under its shade at one time. It is a evergreen tree. It branches spread out and send trunk like roots to the ground in order to support itself. It grows to a height of more than21 meters and lives for many years. The leaves are 10 -20 cm long and has many aerial roots. The leaves are broad, oval and glossy. White milky fluid oozes out of leaves, if broken. It can grow in to the giant tree covering several hectares.

Other Species :F. aurea, F. benghalensis, F. citrifolia, F. macrophylla, F. microcarpa, F.pertusa, F. rubiginosa are the other related species of the Banyan tree.

Location :Found in almost all the parts of India, Banyan tree is the National tree of India. It is grown throughout the sub- Himalayan region and in the deciduous forests. One can Banyan Tree in the Botanical Garden of Calcutta. They are widely grown in the Ranthambore National Parkand Corbett National Park in India.

Cultivation methods : Banyan tree is easily propagated by root tip cuttings or the eye cuttings. Cut apiece of the stem about half a inch below and above the leaf. Insert the stem piece and a little of the leaf stalk into the rooting medium. To reduce evaporation from the leaf surface, you can roll the leaf and secure with a rubber band. In a couple weeks roots and a new shoot will start developing. It can grow in any type of soil.

Medicinal uses :The Banyan tree also has several medicinal properties. Its leaf, bark, seeds and fig are used for the variety of disorders like diarrhoea, polyuria, dental, diabetes and urine disorders. The wood of the Banyan tree is used in making door panels, boxes and the other items. Its bark is used for making paper and ropes. The milky latex that comes from its leaves and stems is used in many Ayurvedic medicines.

Other uses :In India its edible leaves are used as the plates. It is planted for the soil conservation. Wood is used for well curbs, door panels, boxes, furniture etc. It is suitable for paper pulp. The wood of the aerial roots is stronger and is used for the tent poles and cart yokes.Cultural importance :Banyan tree is respected and is considered as sacred by the people in India. In the sacred Hindu Book 'Bhagwad Gita' Lord Krishna has sung praises on the Banyan tree. People in India grow Banyan tree closer to the Peepal tree. As Banyan tree is considered as the male plant closely related to the Peepal tree. It symbolize Trimurti with Vishnu as the barl, Shiva as the branches and Brahma as the roots. Indians considered Banyan tree as 'Kalpa Vriksha' the tree that fulfil all your wishes. The mighty Banyan Tree is considered as immortal and has always been the focal point for the village communities in India. It is probably the biggest and friendliest of all trees. Banyan tree is the tree of knowledge and tree of life.

Neem Tree :-

Kingdom :

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Magnoliopsida

Order :

Sapindales

Family :

Meliaceae

Genus :

Azadirachta

Species :

A. indica

Scientific Name :

Azadirachta indica

Found In :

Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh national Park, Mrugavani National Park, Bannerghata National Park, Sariska Wildlife sanctuary and Guindy National Park.

Description :It is a tall evergreen tree with the small bright green leaves. It is up to 100 feet tall. It blossoms in spring with the small white flowers. It has a straight trunk. Its bark is hard rough and scaly, fissured even in small trees. The colour of the bark is brown grayish. The leaves are alternate and consists of several leaflets with serrated edges. Its flowers are small and white in colour. The loive like edible fruit is oval, round and thin skinned.

Other Species :A. juss, A. azedarac are the other related species of Neem tree. A. juss, A. azedarac are the other related species of Neem tree. A. juss, A. azedarac are the other related species of Neem tree.

Location :Neem tree is found throughout India. It is a popular village tree. Although it is also widely grown in Ranthambore National Park,Bandhavgarh national Park, Mrugavani National Park, Bannerghata National Park,Sariska Wildlife Sanctuaryand Guindy National Park.

Cultivation :Neem tree can easily be grown in the dry, stony, shallow and clayey soils. It needs very little water and plenty of sunlight. It grows slowly during the first year of planting. It can be propagated through the seeds and cuttings. Young neem tree cannot tolerate excessive cold. .

Medicinal uses :The indigenous people of Nilgiris consume the dried and powered tubulers of the terrestrial orchids as an energizing tonic. Neem also holds medicinal value. Each part of neem is used in the medicines. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for more than 4000 years. Neem oil extracted from its seeds is used in medicines, pest control and cosmetics etc. Its leaves are used in the treat Chickenpox.. According to the Hindus, it is believed that the Goddess of the chickenpox, Sithala lives in the Neem tree. Neem tea is usually taken to reduce the headache and fever. Its flowers are used to cure intestinal problems. Neem bark acts as an analgesic and can cure high fever as of malaria. Even the skin diseases can be cured from the Neem leaves. Indians even believe that the Neem can even purify diseases.Other uses :People in India use its twigs to brush their teeth. Neem is considered as the useful tree in rehabilitating the waste land areas. Neem seed pulp is useful for methane gas production. It is also useful as carbohydrate which is rich base for other industrial fermentations. Neem bark contains tannins which are used in tanning and dyeing. In south India its wood is used to make the furniture. The bark of the yields the fiber that is woven into ropes. Neem cake is widely used in India as fertilizer for sugarcane, vegetable and other cash crops. Many countries have been consistently growing the Neem tree against the global warming. The worldwide Neem Foundation has helped in making the people aware about the importance of neem and its uses globally.Cultural Importance :One can find Neem in almost all the parts of India. It is said that planting Neem tree in the house is a ensured passage to heaven. Its leaves are stung on the main entrance to remain away from the evil spirits. Brides take bath in the water filled with the Neem leaves. Newly born babies are laid upon the Neem leaves to provide them with the protective aura. Neem gives out more oxygen than other trees. The neem tree is also connected with the Sun, in the story of Neembark 'The Sun in the Neem tree'. Neem is the wonder tree and finds mention in the number of ancient texts.

Aloe Vera :-

Kingdom :

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Liliopsida

Order :

Asparagales

Family :

Asphodelaceae

Genus :

Aloe

Species:

A .vera

Zoological name :

Aloe Vera

Found In :

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary

Description :Aloe Vera grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches. It has a fibrous root system. It does not have stems. It has thick freshly leaves with sharp points, which are up to 18 inches long and 2 inches wide at the base. Its leaves are even long and triangular in shape. The tissue in the centre of theAloe leaf contains a gel which yields the aloe gel. Its leaves are rich in water that is why it can survive for years. These leaves have spiky margins and are blotched creams. It is the member of the Lilly family. The roots of the pant are thick and fibrous. The fruit is the triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.

Other species of Aloe Vera :There are more than 200 species of Aloe Vera. Aloe Barbadensis Miller, Aloe Saponaria, Aloe Chinensis, Aloe Variegata, Aloe Forex, Aloe Lalifolia and Curacao Aloe are some of the known species of Aloe Vera.

Location :Aloe Vera is cultivated throughout India. It is commonly found in Mumbai, Gujarat and South India. It mainly grows in the tropical and sub tropical areas. It grows well on sandy and well drained soil. It is widely grown in the Ranthambore National Park in India

Cultivation methods :Aloe Vera plant is propagated through the seed. It prefers a well drained sandy soil in sunny location. Aloe Vera needs the temperature of above 40 degrees. They should be potted in the spring season and watered carefully until established. It grows in the arid climate. They should be watered regularly in the summers. But over watering can kill the plant. It also grows in partial shade. It reaches the maturity in four years when the leaves are harvested.

Medicinal uses :Aloe Vera is the herbal plant, used to heal the burn marks. Aloe Vera cures the skin diseases. It can also be used to remove dandruff from the hair. Aloe Vera is taken internally for the stomach disorders. The leaves of Aloe Vera is used for the treatment of facial edema or swelling. Its fluid is beneficial in reducing the inflammation and pain. Aloe Vera is used in cosmetics and even in the food industry. Curacao aloe acts as laxative, which is used against constipation. The fresh juice of its leaf blades can be applied directly to the ulcers, burns, sunburns, and fungal infection. Organic Aloe Vera juice reduces acidity. It prevents from fungus, influenza virus, measles, and high fever.Other uses :Aloe Vera is a very popular potted plant. It is grown in houses for the decoration. The leaf sap is used to make a soothing and healing moisturizing cream, which is good for the dry skin. It is used in the making of anti wrinkle cream. It is even used in the preparation of shampoos.Cultural Importance :Aloe Vera has been mentioned several times in the sacred scriptures. It is believed to have been used for the preservation of the body of the Jesus Christ. It is called as the plant of immorality. It is also mentioned in the holy book of Bible. It has been used by the tribal people as a medicine for the century.

Tulsi Plant :-

Kingdom :

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Magnoliopsida

Order :

Lamiales

Family :

Lamiaceae

Genus :

Ocimum

Species :

O. tenuiflorum

Scientific Name :

Ocimum Sanctum

Found In :

Gir National Parkand Sasangir National Park

Description :Tulsi is a heavy branched having hair all over. It attains the height of about 75 90 cm. It has round oval shaped leaves which are up to 5 cm long. The leaves are 2- 4 cm in length. Its seeds are flat. Its flowers are purple creamish in colour. The Tulsi with the green leaves is called the Shri Tulsi and one with the reddish leaves is called the Krishna Tulsi. Its seeds are yellow to reddish in colour. Leaves of Tulsi contains very essential oil.

Other species :Ocimum canum (Ram tulsi or Kali Tulsi), Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum Kilmand, Ocimum scharicum are the other related species of the Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum).Location :Tulsi is widely grown in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Sasangir National Park in India. Tulsi grows wild in tropics and warm regions.Cultivation methods :Tulsi seeds germinate easily. The seeds are mainly sown in the spring season. They are watered from time to time and germinated in one to two weeks. Tulsi prefers rich soil for its growth. It requires full sunlight. It is mainly grown in the temperate climate.

Medicinal uses :Tulsi has got the great medicinal value. Tulsi is taken as the herbal tea. The oil extracted from the Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used in the herbal toiletry. Its oil is also used against the insects and bacteria. The Rama Tulsi is the effective remedy for the Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome. Juice of its leaves gives relief in cold, fever, bronchitis and cough. Tulsi oil is also used as the ear drop. Tulsi helps in curing malaria. It is very effective against indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera. The fresh leaves of Tulsi are taken by the millions of people every day. For over the centuries Tulsi (the queen of herbs) has been known for its remarkable healing properties.Other uses :Many people wears the Tulsi beads, which is said to have certain physical and medicinal properties. Its wood is considered as more powerful than any other gem that helps in protecting one from the negative influences. One can also buy several handicraft jewellery items made of Tulsi wood.Cultural Importance :Tulsi is the sacred plant dearer to the Lord Vishnu. Tulsi symbolises purity. It is considered as the holy plant in the Indian Subcontinent. Tulsi got its name from Tulasi Devi, who was one of Lord Krishna's eternal consorts. In India people grow Tulsi as the religious plant and worship it. Its leaves are used in temples for the worship purposes and also on the several occasions such as marriage. A Hindu house is considered incomplete without the Tulsi plant in the courtyard. Tulsi is belived to promote longevity and lifelong happiness. Hindus perform special Tulsi puja in the Kartik month which starts after Sharad Poornima. It is the time of the Tulsi vivah (marriage). On this day Tulsi is decorated and coloured as a bride.Even today people in India maintain a potted Tulsi plant. The womens water the plant, light up the diya near it and worships it daily. The stems, leaves, seeds and even the soil is considered as holy. According to the ancient texts Tulsi is glorified as the one who helps in bringing people closer to the divine.

Teak Tree :-

Kingdom :

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Magnoliopsida

Order :

Lamiales

Family :

Verbenaceae

Genus :

Tectona

Scientific Name :

Tectona Grandis

Found In :

Gir National Park, Satpura National Park,Pench Tiger Reserve

Description :Teak is tall evergreen tree. It has yellowish blonde to reddish brown wood. It attains the height of about 30 meter. The fruit is a drupe. It has bluish to white flowers. It produces the large leaf similar to the tobacco leaf. The bark is whitish gray in colour. It is generally grown straightwith the uneven texture, medium lusture and the oily feel. The upper surface of the tree is rough to touch and the inner surface has hairs. The fruit is enclosed by the bladder like calyx, which is light brown, ribbed and papery.Other species :Tectona grandia, Tectona hamiltoniana, and Tectona philippinensis are the other related species of the Teak tree.Location :Teak is well grown in all the parts of India. It is also found in theGir National Park, Satpura National Park, Pench Tiger Reserve in India.

Cultivation methods :The new plants can also be propagated from cuttings. It is usually planted when the four to six weeks old. Plough the land thoroughly and level it. The best season to plant the teak is monsoon, most probably after the first shower. Carry out weeding operations regularly. Teal requires loamy soil rich in humus and having the right content of moisture with good drainage.

Medicinal uses :Teak also holds the medicinal value. The bark is bitter tonic and is considered useful in fever. It is also useful in headache and stomach problems. Digestion may be enhanced by the teak wood or bark. .Other uses :It is used in the furniture making, boat decks and for indoor flooring. It is widely used to make the doors and house windows. It is resistant to the attack of termites. Its wood contains scented oil which is the repellent to insects. The leaves yield the dye which is used to colour the clothes and edible. Teak is probably the best protected commercial species in the world.

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