From the Window

Trees are the largest plants. Types: Evergreen trees: keep leaves all year (mango, neem, banyan). Deciduous trees: shed leaves in winter/dry season (teak, peepal in some regions). Coniferous trees: needle-like leaves, found in cold mountains (pine, cedar, fir). Deciduous trees drop leaves to conserve water during dry periods — a smart adaptation! India has all three types depending on the region.

Roots: underground, absorb water and minerals, anchor the tree. Can be very deep (banyan: up to 3 m), or wide spread (100 m radius!). Trunk: strong woody stem, carries water up and food down, stores food, provides structural support. Bark: protects trunk from insects, disease, and water loss. Branches and leaves: capture sunlight for photosynthesis. Seeds and fruits: reproduction.

Trees give us: Oxygen (one tree = oxygen for 2 people for a year), Food (fruits, nuts), Medicine (neem, tulsi, ashwagandha), Timber (furniture, buildings, paper), Shade and coolness (cities with trees are 3-5°C cooler!), Biodiversity (one oak tree supports 500+ species). Deforestation: India lost significant forest cover. Reforestation: India planted 66 million trees in 12 hours (2016 record). Plant a tree today!