As one naturalist has noted in this popular book on the plants of western India, the Peepal tree is the most destructive of plants that flourish easily. This tree, held in veneration by Hindus and Buddhists, may grow in the cracks of walls, which are gradually split open by the expansion and … Read more
The word “hurt” can mean injure, or it may also mean pain. The plucking of a leaf does not cause pain to the tree, because it does not feel anything close to what we humans feel as pain. The reason for them being numb to pain is because trees don’t have a … Read more
It is hard to find a list of sweets or desserts that do not profit from the fragrance of vanilla. It is one of the most important ingredients for making any desserts – be it whipping a quick plain cake or baking a batch of your favorite cookies. Vanilla elevates the tastes … Read more
We often see different kinds of plants all around us. And ever since we were young, we learned what plants are at school. When we think about plants, the first thing that would come in mind is its leafy green appearance. Some are bigger than others, while some have more leaves, and … Read more
Can you imagine if trees grow roots upward, and stems, downward? That would look very peculiar, or the possibility is that soil will not be necessary for the plants to grow because the roots get nutrients from it. Geotropism or gravitropism is the reason why plant roots grow downward, and stems grow … Read more
A munch of apple might keep the doctor away. The full blooming flowers in the garden make the mornings beautiful. The green leafy vegetables that we eat make us healthy. The trees give shade and help protect nature. Indeed, plants have many good things to give, not just to humans but to … Read more
Cucumber! Yes, cucumber is a fruit – and that too, not a very nutritious one. If you also thought replacing your heavy, hearty lunch with cucumber was benefiting you in any sense other than just feeding you with water content, you are not alone. Botanists term a fruit as the part of … Read more
Avocado is the most nutritious fruit, which is native to tropical Central America. It was introduced into India, probably at the beginning of the 19th century. The first cultivators were the Aztecs, the people of Mexico who were conquered by Spaniards about 400 years ago. However, a few varieties of avocado are … Read more