Exploring The Amazing World of Plants

Plants are all around us. If we just step out of our house, we can see tall towering trees, and little plants around us. And if you have ever walked through a forest, you can absolutely remember how rich the earth’s plant wealth is. Have you ever stopped to wonder just how many types of plants exist? Yes, if you study the huge varieties of plants that adorn our planet, you will understand that the plant kingdom is huge, diverse and full of beauty. In addition to being the best embellishments of the Earth, plants also immensely enrich us with many benefits. In this blog we will read about a few varieties of plants and see their examples.

Let's embark on a captivating journey through the lush green world and uncover the remarkable diversity it holds.

Plants come in all sizes, but we can broadly categorise them into two groups: big plants or trees and small plants.

Big Plants or Trees: These are the giants of the plant kingdom, boasting large trunks and sprawling branches. Think of the majestic banyan and peepal, standing tall and proud, they are the best examples of trees. 

Small Plants: On the other end of the spectrum are the smaller ones, often found inside our homes or peeking out from garden beds. Despite their size, these small plants play a significant role in adding beauty to our surroundings. For example, roses, sunflowers and others.

Now, imagine the plants you have in your backyard. And solve the puzzle given below- 

Let’s know about some interesting varieties of plants: 

Evergreen Trees:

An evergreen tree is a type of tree that retains its green foliage throughout the year, regardless of the season. Some evergreen trees have needle-like or scale-like leaves that remain on the branches year-round, giving them a constant appearance of lushness and vitality. Examples of evergreen trees include pine, spruce, fir and cedar.

Deciduous Trees:

Deciduous trees are trees that shed their leaves annually in response to changes in the seasons, particularly in autumn. During this process, deciduous trees undergo a vibrant display of colours as their leaves turn yellow, orange, red or brown before falling off. In spring, new leaves emerge, restarting the cycle. Examples of deciduous trees include oak, maple, birch and elm.

Herbs: Herbs are small plants valued for their aromatic properties, culinary uses, and sometimes for their medicinal benefits. They are typically used to flavour food, make teas or create herbal remedies. Herbs can be grown in gardens, pots or even indoors. Examples of herbs include basil, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme and oregano.

Shrubs: Shrubs are small to medium-sized woody plants with multiple stems or branches emerging from the base. Unlike trees, shrubs usually have several stems and tend to be shorter in height. They are often used in landscaping to provide structure, texture and colour to gardens. Shrubs can also produce flowers and berries, adding visual interest to outdoor spaces. Examples of shrubs include hibiscus, rose, lilac and azalea.

Exploring the rich tapestry of the plant world reveals a universe full of diversity and marvels. Whether it's the majestic trees sharing ancient stories or the tiny herbs enhancing our food, each plant carries a special tale to uncover. So, when you wander through a garden or explore the woods, pause to admire the endless beauty of the plants around you. They're vital to our planet, enriching our lives in countless ways, both obvious and hidden.

To learn more about plants and engage in interesting activities, get your hands on ‘Witty Activities With Plants‘ by Offshoot Books.

Packed with dot-to-dot challenges, puzzles, mazes, drawings, and much more, this book offers an exciting mix of entertainment and learning. It introduces children to the fascinating world of plants, where they discover both friendly and less-friendly green creatures. This engaging activity book on plants encourages children's intellectual growth as they learn to care for the plants in their surroundings. For starters, you can encourage children to try an easy activity that is given below.