You are on page 1of 21

SRI SAVITRIBAI PHULE POLYTECHNIC, PUNE

STUDY OF PLANTS
Ishan Shikarkhane, Zainulabdeen Sayeed, Suyash Shinde

This report is about the various plants in our ecosystem and their properties
and how they are useful to us.
1

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 an infinite variety of plant species, all with some or the other aesthetic value. Rarely
does one get time these days to think and study 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
trees cease 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 vast family, which
would certainly be an encouragement for the readers to continue with their endeavour.

INTRODUCTION

Plants, also called green plants , are living multi-cellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae.
Green plants have cell walls with cellulose and characteristically obtain most of their energy
from sunlight via photosynthesis using chlorophyll contained in chloroplasts, which gives
them their green colour. Some plants are parasitic and have lost the ability to produce normal
amounts of chlorophyll or to photosynthesize. Plants are also characterized by sexual
reproduction, modular and indeterminate growth, and an alternation of generations, although
asexual reproduction is common.
Precise numbers are difficult to determine, but as of 2010, there are thought to be 300315
thousand species of plants, of which the great majority, some 260290 thousand, are seed
plants (see the table below). Green plants provide most of the world's molecular oxygen and
are the basis of most of the earth's ecologies, especially on land. Plants described
as grains, fruits and vegetables form 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 as botany,
a branch of biology.

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 (384 BC 322 BC) who
distinguished between plants which generally do not move, and animals which often are
mobile to catch their food. Much later, when Linnaeus (17071778) created the basis of the
modern system of scientific classification, these two groups became the kingdoms Vegetabilia
(later Metaphyta or Plantae) and Animalia. Since then, it has become clear that the plant
kingdom as originally defined included several unrelated groups, and the fungi and several
groups of algae were 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, possessing cellulose, 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 of cells, the smallest units able to conduct the functions of living.

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

Are made principally of four elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen


which 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
(H 2O), carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), ammonia (NH 3) and a host of others.

Need energy to conduct their metabolism (all of the chemical processes occurring
within their bodies).

Require materials from the environment to both build and maintain their bodies.

Are structurally organized. Multi-cellular organisms build tissues (groups of similar


cells that perform certain functions) and organs (structures formed of different tissues
that act as a group to perform specialized functions).

React to stimuli and respond, thereby adapting to 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 following special plant characteristics:
Plants can photosynthesize (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 the life cycle of plants there is an alternation of generations in which two
genetically different plant bodies alternate: a haploid gametophyte alternates with a
diploid sporophyte.
Plants develop from embryos, immature sporophytes formed by a fusion of egg and
sperm cells, supported by no reproductive gametophyte tissue.
Plants have indeterminate growth. While animals reach a certain size and stop
growing, plant cells in their meristematic tissues retain the ability to divide and grow
throughout the life of the plant.
Plants are sedentary, 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.
Although lacking the nervous systems of animals, plants react and adapt to
environmental stimuli (with dramatic and surprising speed in some instances); they
also produce secondary metabolites, chemical compounds not directly needed for
5

survival, which deter other plants, fungi, and animals from attacking or consuming the
plants.
The terrestrial plants of today have evolved with a dependence 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 increasing levels of complexity, from the earliest algal
mats, through bryophytes, lycopods, ferns to the complex gymnosperms and angiosperms of
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 land 1,200 million years ago, but it was
not until the Ordovician Period, around 450 million 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 late Silurian Period, around 420 million years ago, and
the fruits of their diversification are displayed in remarkable detail in an early Devonian fossil
assemblage from the Rhynie 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
the Permo-Triassic extinction event, although the structures of communities changed. This
6

may have set the scene for the evolution of flowering plants in the Triassic (~200 million
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 around 40 million
years ago. The grasses, as well as many other groups, evolved new mechanisms of
metabolism to survive the low CO2 and warm, dry conditions of the tropics over the
last 10 million years.

Structure and Growth of Plants

Most of the solid material in a plant is taken from the atmosphere. Through a process known
as photosynthesis, most plants use the energy in sunlight to convert carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, plus water, into simple sugars. (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, magnesiumcontaining pigment is essential to this process; it is generally present in plant leaves, and
often in other plant parts as well.
Plants usually rely on soil primarily for support and water (in quantitative terms), but also
obtain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
magnesium
and
other
elemental nutrients. Epiphytic and lithophytes plants depend on air and nearby debris for
nutrients, and carnivorous plants supplement their nutrient requirements with insect prey that
they capture. For the majority of plants to grow successfully they also require oxygen in the
atmosphere and around their roots (soil gas) for respiration. Plants use oxygen
and glucose (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
in anoxic conditions.

plants,

such

as mangroves,

can

grow

with

their

roots

Flora in India

The Flora of India is 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
8

associated with wisdom and immorality in India. Hindu literature describes a celestial tree as
having its roots in the heaven and its branches 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 of the 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
trees grown in India. Since ancient age, India is known for its efficient ayurvedic treatments,
and the abundance of the plant life that it boasts of. India is known to be the land of various
medicinal herbs, and the juices secreted from the certain herbs obtained in forests are known
to cure even dreaded diseases like cancer and even AIDS.
Following various types of trees discussed below:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Banyan Tree.
Neem Tree.
Aloe vera.
Tusi Plant.
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
and Corbett 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 than 21 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 Park and 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.

10

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 :-

11

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.

12

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 Sanctuary and 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.

13

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
Sanctuary

Wildlife

14

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 the Aloe 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

15

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 :-

16

Kingdom :

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Magnoliopsida

Order :

Lamiales

Family :

Lamiaceae

Genus :

Ocimum

Species :

O. tenuiflorum

Scientific
Name :

Ocimum Sanctum

Found In :

Gir National Park and Sasangir


National Park

17

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.

18

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 straight with the uneven texture, medium lusture and the oily feel. The upper
19

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 the Gir 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.

20

21

You might also like