Plants
Explore how plants are identified, grown, propagated and cared for, from healthy soil and suitable conditions to long-term plant health.
Learn | Plants
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Choose what you need to identify, grow or use.
Browse plant topics
Native Database
Utility Species
Weed Identification
Useful
Materials
Problem Diagnosis
Why choose Shanti Plants?
Practical
Information for identifying, growing and using plants.
Safety-focused
Important warnings and limitations are stated clearly.
Evidence-based
Claims separated by evidence strength and uncertainty.
Sustainable
Guidance supports responsible cultivation and harvesting.
How do plants impact life?
1
Making Food for the Animal and Fungi Kingdoms
Plants are primary producers, which means they use sunlight, water, and air to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Animals and Fungi cannot make their own food, They rely on eating plants—or eat other animals that eat plants—to survive.
2
Creating Air for the Living World
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. This oxygen fills the atmosphere and creates the very air that animals, humans, and many microbes need to breathe to stay alive.
3
Building Soil and Changing the Non-Living Landscape
Plant roots grow deep into the ground, which holds the soil together and prevents it from washing away during rainstorms. When plants drop leaves or die, they break down into tiny bits, adding rich nutrients back into the dirt and turning bare rocks into healthy, living soil.
4
Controlling the Earth's Climate and Water
Plants act like giant water pumps for the planet. They suck up water from the ground and release it into the air as vapor, which helps create clouds and brings rain. By storing massive amounts of carbon, they also act as a natural shield that keeps the Earth's temperature balanced.