The tree that releases oxygen at night is the peepal tree, also known as the sacred fig. Unlike many other plants that release oxygen only during the day, the peepal tree continuously releases oxygen round-the-clock. This characteristic of the peepal tree is unique and makes it an important source of oxygen during the nighttime hours.
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The peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is a large, deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is considered a sacred tree in various cultures and has religious significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The ability of the peepal tree to release oxygen at night is attributed to its unique metabolic processes. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose using sunlight. This process typically occurs during the day when the sun is present. However, the peepal tree has a special type of photosynthesis pathway called Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM).
CAM plants, such as the peepal tree, have adapted to arid conditions and low carbon dioxide levels by opening their stomata, tiny structures on the surface of leaves, at night. This allows the tree to capture carbon dioxide while minimizing water loss through evaporation during hot daytime temperatures.
Throughout the night, the peepal tree absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen as a byproduct of its CAM photosynthesis. This continuous oxygen release provides a valuable source of fresh air during nighttime hours when many other plants are not actively producing oxygen.
It is important to note that while the peepal tree releases oxygen at night, it also undergoes respiration, which consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. However, the overall oxygen production of the peepal tree is still higher than its consumption, making it a net producer of oxygen.
In conclusion, the peepal tree is renowned for its ability to release oxygen round-the-clock, including during the nighttime hours. This is due to its unique photosynthesis pathway, CAM, which allows the tree to efficiently capture carbon dioxide at night and release oxygen. The continuous oxygen release of the peepal tree makes it a significant contributor to air quality, particularly during the night when oxygen production from other plants is limited.