A Student Handbook For The Study Of Plant Identification

Botany is the branch of biology associated with the study of plant life. It is also known as plant biology, phytology or plant science. Modern botany is a multidisciplinary subject with inputs from most other areas of science and technology. The topics for research in botany include the study of plant's structure, growth, classification, biochemical processes, primary metabolism, properties, evolutionary relationships, diseases and interaction with the environment. The branches of botany are divided into three groups. Organismal topics focus on groups of plants such as grasses, mosses and algae. Core topics are associated with the study of the classification and description of plant diversity, and the fundamental natural phenomena and processes of plant life. Applied topics study the ways in which plants may be used for economic benefit in forestry, horticulture and agriculture. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of botany. It attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under this discipline and how such concepts have practical applications. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of this field.

The science that finds, identifies, classifies, describes and names plants is called plant taxonomy. It is closely associated with plant systematics. Plant taxonomy facilitates an organized system for the cataloging and naming of specimens. Identification, classification and description are the main goals of plant taxonomy. Plant identification is a process of identifying an unknown plant by comparing it with previously collected specimens or through an identification manual. Plant classification is the practice of placing known plants into categories or groups to show some relationship. Giving a formal description of a newly discovered species usually in the form of a scientific paper using ICN guidelines is called plant description. This book provides significant information about this discipline to help develop a good understanding of plant taxonomy and related fields. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make it an invaluable source of knowledge. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field of study.