Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 6

Author(s): L C Jain
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 267

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Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin No. 6
outgrowth undergoes cell division, growth and differentiation and finally a miniature, fully formed leaf is produced within the bud (ankura)! In the spring and the Summer seasons the leaves grow rapidly, forcing apart the bud scales and largely by the absorption of water, unfold, enlarge and reach their full size. Many leaves have no meristematic tissue and thus do not live long.
Transpiration Nothing is clearly stated by the Jainācāryas about transpiration, It may occur in all parts of the plant exposed to the air as it is lomahārin, but most of it, occur in the leaves according to Botany.4
The suction force) connected with transpiration pull contributes to the economy of the plants by assisting the upward movement of water through the stem by concentrating in the leaves the dilute solutions of minerals absorbed by the roots and needed for the synthesis of new vital force and by cooling the leaves.
The Movement of Water The ascent of sap (rasa)? is brought about by the process of the suction force which is connected with transpiration pull and root pressure.8 Root pressure is the positive pressure of the sap in the ducts at the junction of root and stem generated by the hypertomicity of the sap in the roots to the water in the surrounding soil.
In the Spring and Summer seasons before leaves have been formed. root pressure is the sole cause of the rise of sap. Once leaves have
Sa eva nirvarttayati mūlam patraṁ tathadimam/ Mülasya Yaśca Kartā sāleva tatprathama patrasta//
-Ibid., 5. 65. Savvo vi Kisalao khalu uggammāņo anamtão bhaņio,
- Lokprakāša, 2, 0. 361. 1. Uttarādhyayana Sūtra; Biology, C. A. Ville p. 126. 2. Biology, C. A. Ville p. 128. 3. Bphatsangraham, vv. 181, 182, 184. 4. Biology, p. 128. 5. Lokaprakāša, 5. 32, 33, 34,; 5. 107, 108. 6. Ibid. 7. Lokaprakāša, 5. 32, 33, 5, 107, 108. 8. Ibid. 9. Lokaprakāśa, 5. 32, 33; 5. 107, 108.