Plants For Us

Earth is the planet of plants. Plants have been the part of life much before the arrival of humans on Earth. We can also say that it's because of the plants only that we can survive on Earth. It is impossible for life to sustain here without plants. Our life depends on plants both directly and indirectly.

We get the energy for our needs from plants itself. Only plants possess the mechanism by which it converts the light energy of the Sun into chemical energy. This process as we all know is known as Photosynthesis. This chemical energy is then used by the organisms to carry out their metabolic activities.

Everything that we eat comes directly or indirectly from plants. The fishes get their energy from the microscopic aquatic flora, that is, the alga (phytoplankton). So, when we consume the fish, we are indirectly getting the energy from the plant form.

Plants are our sole lifeline, and we need to protect and sustain them for our future generations to come.

We need to understand the importance of this magical creation that is given to us by Mother Nature at no cost at all. 

Understanding the importance of plants for us, Carl Linneaus, the Father of Modern Botany, had said- "If a tree dies, plant another in its place"

I am going to list out some of the very important functions played by plants that are essential for all of us.

1. OXYGEN-

First of all, and the most important role is that plants provide us with fresh air, Oxygen, the air we breathe. 

=We can live without water for 3 days, but without Oxygen just 3 minutes=

2. WATER-

Plants regulate the water cycle. They help in purifying and distributing the water of the planet. It is because of these plants that we get fresh clean water that is drinkable. 

3. FOOD-

After Oxygen and water, the next important thing we get from plants is food. 

Our nutrition is dependent on plants either directly or indirectly.

Human nutrition largely depends on rice, wheat, maize, pulses etc.

4. MEDICINES-

4 out of 5 people around the world rely on plants for primary health care.

Many herbal supplements are also used by people round the Earth.

Plant drugs such as colchicine, digitalis, vincristine, quinine, etc have large scale uses in medicines.

5. Non-Food Products-

We get wood from plants which is used for various purposes by humans.

Many natural products are also made available to us by plants, like, essential oils, waxes, natural dyes, gums, resins, latex, etc.

6. Aesthetic Value-

Plants have great aesthetic value. They beautify the surroundings in a way of their own. Being surrounded by plants makes us feel close to nature, and miraculously lifts our moods.

These are some of the useful functions that plants play for us. And all they need in return for all these unmatchable tasks is only our love and care.

We should realise the value of plants before its too late. Surround yourself with this green world and feel the joy and peace that comes with that serene environment. :)