Yes, the Peepal tree does produce oxygen at night. Unlike most other plants that release oxygen during the day through the process of photosynthesis, the Peepal tree has a unique ability to produce oxygen both during the day and at night. This is due to its special type of stomata called sunken, giant, or hydathode, which are located on the lower leaf epidermis.
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Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of leaves that facilitate gas exchange. During the day, most plants open their stomata to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. However, at night, these stomata usually close to conserve water and prevent excessive transpiration.
Peepal trees, however, have evolved a different mechanism to continue producing oxygen even when their stomata are closed. The sunken stomata on the lower leaf epidermis of the Peepal tree allow it to release oxygen during the night. These specialized stomata can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen even in the absence of sunlight.
This ability of the Peepal tree to produce oxygen at night has led to the belief that it is a highly beneficial tree for the environment and can contribute to reducing air pollution. It is often considered a savior during the night when most other plants cease to produce oxygen.
It is important to note that while the Peepal tree does release oxygen at night, the amount of oxygen produced may not be as significant as during the day. Also, the overall oxygen production of a single tree may not significantly impact the oxygen levels in the surrounding environment. Nevertheless, every effort to promote oxygen production and reduce air pollution is valuable, and the Peepal tree’s ability to contribute to this process is noteworthy.