Humans have three basic needs: Food, Clothing, and Shelter. Plants, God’s gift to us, provide all three and, more importantly, protect our environment.
They are vital to the survival of human beings and various animals. They provide us with many fruits , vegetables, grains, cereals, nuts, and spices. Some plants are also used as medicines to treat various ailments. They are also used in building shelters and in manufacturing various types of furniture and household articles.
In return, what do they want from us is nothing ..Yes, nothing.
They can survive on their own using the environment in which they grow. They create their food through photosynthesis using sunlight. They use the soil in which they grow, digging deep for stability, and often, their need for water is also there. So, what is human beings’ role there? Nothing. Just don’t disturb or cut them. Allow them to grow.
Plants can be broadly classified into 1. Trees, 2. Shrubs, 3. Climbers, 4. Creepers 5. Herbs
There are some 3,80,000 known species of plants.
Let us discuss some of the plants grown in our country.
- The Pine Forest
Pine trees are normally seen in Mountainous areas and cool climates like hill stations. They help a lot in preventing soil erosion and help in absorbing Carbon dioxide.
They are valued for their timber, resin, and edible pine nuts. They are grown in a straight line, and as their trunk is quite tall and leaves are not very dense, enough light passes through them, and it is a wonderful feeling walking between the trees, smelling the fragrance of pine.
Pine wood is widely used for construction, furniture, and paper products. Pine resin is used to produce turpentine and other medicines.
They serve as a good picnic spot in hill stations. Apart from all these they protect soil erosion and help absorb carbon dioxide.
- Bamboo:
Bamboo is another one of God’s gifts to Mankind. Actually, it belongs to a kind of Grass family. It grows quite tall and strong and is known for its versatile use.
It is known for its fast and thick growth, and is highly flexible, strong, and durable. Because of this quality, it is used in the construction of buildings, bridges and even to make household articles.
Bamboo shoots are edible and nutritious. Bamboo helps in soil conservation, erosion control, and the production of Oxygen.
Bamboo fibres are also used in making paper and other cellulose products. Bamboo is a crucial part of an elephant’s food. Bamboo forests also provide shelter and habitat for elephants.
- Next, we will discuss Indoor plants:
Indoor plants are also used as ornamental plants, and they give a better ambience. Mostly, they require less or indirect sunlight. They add beauty to the place where they are kept, They can be normally kept in the balcony or in any room of the house where they receive either direct or indirect sunlight.
My favourite indoor plants are Areca Palm and Snake plants. The Areca palm gives a wonderful appearance with its long and thin branches and needle-like leaves. If kept near the window, they form a natural curtain and at the same time don’t block the air.
Another very useful indoor plant is the Snake plant. They can thrive in very low light conditions and very little water supply. Snake plants are known to remove toxins from the air, thus improving indoor air quality
Hence, it is advisable to keep it in the bedroom since they are known to improve oxygen levels in the bedroom.
- The Tall and the Short of it.
We have discussed the tall plants like Pine and Bamboo so far. But plants in their short form are also very useful to the living beings. An example is the Grass.
They are one of the most widespread and diverse plant groups. They are a primary food source for cattle, horses, deer, rhinoceros and many herbivorous animals.
They provide habitat for various animals, including insects, birds and mammals.
They are used for creating lawns, parks and sports fields also.
Two of the world’s strongest animals, like Rhinoceroses and Elephants, are herbivores, and grass is one of their main food. Grasses are high in fibre, and contain carbohydrates which give energy. They contain nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which keep them so strong and healthy
So, from all the above discussion, we come to understand how plants are fundamental to our survival and well-being, and let us take a vow that we will always nurture the plants and never cut a plant knowingly in our entire lives.
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