Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 6

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

Page 268

Properties, Structure & Functions of Plant in Jaina Agamic Works 33
developed, the continued ascent of water is brought about largely by the process of the suction force which is connected with transpiration1 pull. Modern Biology explains this thing in this way that "the constant evaporation of water from the cells of the leaf and the production of osmotically active substances by photosynthesis combine to keep the leaf cells hypertomic to the sap in the viens. They constantly draw water from the upper ends of the Xylem vessels and this tends to lift the column of sap upward in each duct.""2
"Transpiration provides the pull at the top of the column, and the tendency of the water molecules to stick together, carrying this force through the length of the stem and roots, results in the elevation of the whole column of sap."8
The Storage of Food
It is stated in the Jaina Agamas that a green plant consumes more food in particular season (rainy season), while it takes less food in some seasons (Winter or autumn, Spring and Summer). Each plant must therefore accumulate food reserves to tide over periods when photosynthesis cannot occur. Food stores may be deposited in leaves,5 stems
or roots."
Leaves serve as temporary depots for food, but they are not suitable The for long-term storage, for they are too easily and too rapidly lost. stems of woody perennials serve as storage places for large amounts of food; other plants utilize underground fleshy stems9 for the purpose. The most common storage organs are roots, 10 for being underground,
1. Biology, p. 128.
2.
Biology, p. 128.
3.
Ibid., p. 128.
4. Bhagavati Sūtra, 7.3.275.
5.
Kumbard, Jivavicāra, 12.
6.
All Kandas, Surana, etc. bulb, etc.
7.
8.
9. Surana, etc.
10.
Raddish carrot, etc.
Vrkṣa, mango tree, etc.
Carrot, ginger, etc.
5