by Meenakshi Advani VRai, ACIW Mumbai, FAUSA
Biodiversity is the foundation of functioning ecosystems, which involve all the living participants and species from one area. Native fauna depend on native flora for food and shelter, while animals support plants by dispersing seeds and pollination. Trees, fruit, flowers and medicinal plants that support human life stem from this intricate interaction. The global plant-based food market is expected to reach USD 77.8 billion in 2025.
Soil is our life support system that feeds vegetation and plants – and in turn, all other species – and hosts millions of diverse organisms and animals. Earthworms mix the soil, creating organic matter and leaving black castings, a valuable type of fertilizer. They create tunnels that allow rainwater to penetrate the soil, and their decomposition provides nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Healthy soil allows grass and plants to grow, provides excellent nesting and a protective habitat for many species of birds and is a source of seeds and insects. It also helps produce oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide. Just 25 square feet of healthy lawn grass generates enough oxygen to support one person’s needs for a day, offsets 50% of solar heat, and captures air pollutants such as dirt and dust allergens. Well-maintained grass encourages beneficial microorganisms in the soil, producing organic matter that improves the soil health. Mushrooms or fungi growing at the roots of trees decompose garden organics into usable foods and healthy nutrients for plants, which are absorbed from the soil.
Plant species have characteristic leaf arrangements, forms and patterns. The shape of a tree’s leaves is a response to its long-term ecological and evolutionary history. The main function of leaves is to manufacture food and faciliate the interchange of gases and moisture between the atmosphere and the plant body.
Leaves take in carbon dioxide from the surrounding air via pores called stomate. The stomate open to allow the intake of carbon dioxide, while oxygen is released to the atmosphere in a process known as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires the correct balance of sunlight and carbon dioxide. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color and helps carry out photosynthesis during warm, sunny months, absorbing light energy. The splendor of multi-colored autumn leaves is the result of the chlorophyll breaking down.
Herbs are leaves with benefits and are used extensively in our food. Herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, oregano and dill are used for flavor and garnishing. Peppermint reduces nausea. Basil is said to improve our immunity against coughs and colds. Curry leaves can be used to treat constipation, diarrhea, nausea, diabetes, stress and skin ailments. Eucalyptus leaves can be beneficial for treating colds, coughs and phlegm, easing respiration, disinfecting skin wounds, balancing blood sugar and treating joint pain.
There are 17,000 species of higher plants in India, of which 7,500 are known to have medicinal purposes. This proportion is the highest proportion of medicinal plants in any country in the world.
Creepers attract not only bees but predatory and parasitic insects, which supplement their diet with pollen and nectar from these flowers. Insects pick up the smell of the flowering creepers with their antennae as well as from receptors on their feet. Butterflies travel amongst the flowering creepers, sipping their nectar, carrying the pollen from flower to flower, helping the plant species to thrive.
Flowers provide nectar and pollen that feed entire colonies of bees. Birds gather nectar from the flowers for energy. Nectar prevents water loss from the butterfly’s body and prevents the proboscis from clogging. Butterflies are drawn to brightly-colored and fragrant flowers; they feed on the nectar and get covered in pollen, which is then transferred from the butterfly to the stigma of the next flower.
Nectar extracts can help boost the human immune system. Flowers make breathing easier, fight respiratory diseases and reduce stress levels. When fruit trees flower, it is an indication that the soil and leaves are healthy. Pollinators help this process. Nectar in colors such as yellow, amber, red, brown, green, blue, and black reflects balanced plant-animal interaction.
Do flowers have ovaries? The carpel is the female reproductive structure that produces eggs, similar to human ovaries. The stamen is the male reproductive structure that produces sperm. Petals that surround the carpel and stamen are brightly colored. Sepals surround the flower petals before they open.
An example that illustrates a complete and healthy biodiversity cycle is the Laburnum tree. Its yellow flowers attract insectivorous birds, bees that come to suckle on the nectar as well as butterfly species that lay eggs on them. The hatched caterpillars then feed on the leaves.
Trees which are native and bear fruit have numerous benefits to all species, including humans. Native trees grow easily in their natural landscapes, providing the necessary biodiversity to support the existing ecosystems required for all species to thrive. Vegetables and fruits are sources of low-calorie sugars, fiber for easy digestion, vitamins, mineral salts and essential nutrients for growth.
Biodiversity is food for life, a miracle for all, without which survival is impossible. How can you help it thrive?
- Welcome wildlife.
- Support the birds, reptiles, mammals and plants that live in your neighborhood.
- Explore and protect habitats in your area.
- Volunteer your time to protect local habitats.
- Grow herbs, flowers or vegetables at home.
- Plant a tree.
