Extractives of rubiaceae psychotria insularum

Abstract

The living creatures of the earth all depend for their sustenance directly or indirectly on the plants that cover the surface of the land and dwell in the waters of the oceans. The thin mantle of plants which covers the globe is an everchanging one; plant substances removed by human, animal and microbial activity is continuously replenished by fresh plant growth. This plant growth represents the world's most exuberant and extensive chemical activity. Bonner, Plant Biochemistry, Academic Press, N.Y. (1950) Parts 1 and 2. Although the separate organs of the plant are highly specialised in their activities, harmonious and integrated growth is achieved through mutual co-operation and continuous interchange of materials. Minerals and water taken up by the roots are transported and made available to the leaves, whilst simultaneously the photosynthetic products of the leaves are moved downward to the roots. Kostytschev, Chemical Plant Physiology, Blakiston, (1931)