Botanist: More than Just a Plant Scientist

What is botany?

Botany, or botanical science, is the scientific study of plants and one of the sub-disciplines of biology. You get to study almost everything about plants, from the cells and tissues and their vital processes such as respiration and photosynthesis to plants diseases and ways to cure them. 

The scientists who specialise in this particular field are known as botanists. They study and do research on every single plant that you can find on this earth: algae, fungi, conifers, ferns and flowering plants. Normally, botanists choose to focus on one particular aspect of the plant and they work either on the field or in laboratories. Some of them even work in greenhouses, buildings with roof and walls made of glass to ensure there is always enough sunlight for the plants inside.

Plants play a vital role in our daily lives. They provide human beings with food and other useful things such as wood, fabric and medicine. Plants even beautify our environment and take in the carbon dioxide we exhale for photosynthesis and releasing oxygen for us. With the many wonders attributed to plants and their benefits to the ecosystem, it is not surprising that botany is considered as an extremely wide field of science.

Areas of specialisation in botanical science

Plant Anatomy: research of the features and formation of cells and tissues 

Cytology: detailed research of the anatomy of a plant based on their various functions, structures and life history of plant cells

Ecology: scientific field of relationship between plants and the environment they are living in

Morphology: scientific study of macroscopic plant forms and life cycles, as well as the evolution and developments of roots, stems and leaves

Phytochemistry: scientific study focusing on the chemical side of the life cycles of plants

Food science and technology: study of different parts of plants and determine which parts can be further developed into edibles

Forestry: study of trees in the forests particularly the forest management and utilisation of forest products

Horticulture: production of cultivated or ornamental plants and also fruit and vegetable crops

Agriculture: science and management of plants for the production of food and pharmaceuticals

Plant Pathology: study of diseases that plants contract and creation of appropriate antidotes