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Re: Botany Lesson Needed


Toni Office wrote:
>
> My question is this.....what function do the leaves play in a plant?  (Please
> forgive this question if it is totally stupid?)  Are they converting the sun
> into fruit production?  What will happen if I remove some of the leaves?
>
        Leaves perform two services for the plant (well, a few others, but two
mostly). They collect energy, by photosynthesis turning water and CO2
into sugars which are used to grow more leaves and fruit. They also
Transpire, which is similar to breathing and/or sweating. The
evaporation of water from the leaves is what allows them to draw water
up from the roots. Drawing water up from the roots is what brings other
needed nutrients to the leaves and fruit.
        Most plants will grow leaves until there is enough energy and
transpiration to support fruit. This means there must be an excess of
leaves at some point. Unless your leaves are heavily mildewed, injured
or die on their own, resist cutting them. If they are over-shadowing
something else you may have to make a value decision.
        Hope this helps...
                Bill
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