Consciousness in Plants

The question of consciousness in plants is often dismissed as absurd. But this neglect has deeper roots. Botanists, biologists consider it a subject of psychology, philosophy and metaphysics. Philosophers are busy with human consciousness, and physiologists and zoologists with those of animals, in addition to man’s. Yet there have been numerous people, philosophers, biologists, and psychologists, since time immemorial, making analysis of facts from wider angles.
But with all this discussion we reach to no decision. The fundamental existence of
indecision in all matters of learning is already there. In addition, lack of clear cut distinction between ‘consciousness’, ‘reflex-action’, and ‘instinct’ is a great bar. ‘Personal element’ of scientists is also a major factor in continuing this stagnation.
Instinct, reflex-action, and consciousness are interrelated. Definition of these concepts vary. Instinct is inherited, not developed by deliberate practice. It is a function of the body, and is executed spontaneously without being thought of or planned. Reflex-action is also spontaneous, but is not inherited. It is learnt by experience or executed from assumption by the unconscious mind. Consciousness is most refined, controlled by the organ brain, the seat of mind, situated in the head of animals. Consciousness is displayed with great coordination of body and mind. It brings another concept into picture, the intelligence, ability to correlate and take decisions, modify life and behavior with the change of circumstances and the environment. Consciousness is a trait of intelligent life.
We consider both plants and animals living. We call all animals conscious, but hesitate to label consciousness in plants. Life can not be realized without consciousness. We hesitate to admit consciousness in plants, because physical manifestation of consciousness through the movement of organs and production of sound, common in animals has no parallel in plants. But we all agree that plants possess sensitivity.