Jain Biology

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 75

7. Trna-grass; plants, blades or leaves and stalks of which are eaten by cattle etc.
8. Valaya-plants foliation of which are rounded; e.g. palms.
9. Harita small leafy plants with abundant green leaves e.g. bhajis etc.
10. Auṣadhi-herbs and careals; plants which die after bringing forth seed.
11. Jalaruha-aquatic plants-lotus etc.
12. Kuhaṇa-plants which cause the earth to burst; (e.g. mushrooms etc.)
The above classification is identical to that given in Uttaradhyayana. What follows now is, however, found in this scripture only.
CLASSIFICATION OF TREES
They are of two classes:
a. Fruits of which have a single seed-egatthiyaya―e.g. mango.
b. Fruits of which have multiple seeds-bahubīyagaya-e.g. organge.
(The suffix 'ya' indicates that each of the above two are of many varieties). Then follow the names of thirty-two types of trees, fruits of which have only one seed, some of which are quite common, e.g. Neem, Mango, Jamun, Walnut, Myrobalans, etc. However, the more significant informtion comes thereafter:
Roots of these trees have innumerable souls.
The trunk and each of its branches, twigs, leaves has one soul.
Each flower has many soul; each fruit has one soul.
Similarly trees of which the fruits yield many seeds are also of many types. Then follow the names, some of which, such as Banyan tree, are well known.
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JAIN BIOLOGY