Taxonomy Of Plants

TAXONOMY OF PLANTS

Definition:-

Plant taxonomy is the science that finds, identifies, describes, classifies, and names plants.” Thus making it one of the main branches of taxonomy (the science that finds, describes, classifies, and names living things).

Concepts:-Plant taxonomy is closely allied to plant systematic, and there is no sharp boundary between the two. In practice, "Plant systematics" involves relationships between plants and their evolution, especially at the higher levels, whereas "Plant taxonomy" deals with the actual handling of plant specimens. The precise relationship between taxonomy and systematics, however, has changed along with the goals and methods employed.Plant taxonomy is well known for being turbulent, and traditionally not having any close agreement on circumscription and placement of taxa.Identification, classification and descriptionThree goals of plant taxonomy are the identification, classification and description of plants. The distinction between these three goals is important and often overlooked.·         

Plant identification is the determination of the identity of an unknown plant by comparison with previously collected specimens or with the aid of books or identification manuals. The process of identification connects the specimen with a published name. Once a plant specimen has been identified, its name and properties are known.·         

Plant classification is the placing of known plants into groups or categories to show some relationship. Scientific classification follows a system of rules that standardizes the results, and groups successive categories into a hierarchy.

PLANT CLASSIFICATION IN OUR MODERN WORLD

Despite the great advances made in botany, there are many, many plants yet to be discovered, classified, and utilized; unknown plants are treasures waiting to be found. Today's ethnobotanists are combing regions of the world, looking for tomorrow's medicines and food crops. They are exploring the functional properties and relationships of plants within ecosystems to help us to understand the need for diversity in the way we manage our plant resources.The plant world, our world, is in constant flux. Due to human and other factors, we are seeing the possibility of extinction for many plants and animals. Plant classification aids in keeping track of our planet's endangered inhabitants. Just as importantly, we are realizing the need to understand ecological systems which preserve biodiversity. Today's scientists are exploring how genetic diversity and ecological sensitivity are necessary in solving such problems as feeding the population and fighting disease. Plant classification is vital to these endeavors.

Taxonomy:The  similarities , difference and the variety among living things can be used as criteria for their classifications. There are 3 types of classification of plants

A)Flowering and Non- Flowering plants-Flowering plants - Plants that bear flowers are called flowering plants. Ex Hibiscus, Chrysanthemum

Non- Flowering plants –Plants that do not bear flowers are called Non- Flowering plants.Ex- Moulds, Mushrooms, Spirogyra, Ferns, Funguses

B)Plants can be classified according to Differences in the height of their stems, and their branches-Trees- .Plants that grow very  tall and have hard stems or trunks are called trees. The mango and the banyan trees have strong hard stems have many branches which branches out again many times over. The branches bear leaves. Such trees have a leafy, rounded appearance.The coconut and the palmyra also have strong hard stems but do not have branches. The branches bear leaves. Such trees have a leafy, rounded appearance.EX.Mango, Banyan and coconut

Shrubs- Plants of medium height with strong hard stems are called shrubs. Height is upto 2-3 metres.Thestem begins to branch out close to the ground.EX.- orange ,lemon,hibiscus

Climbers and Creepers- Plants having weak stems that grow on supports are called Climbers and Creepers. They grow on support or spread along the ground.EX- Bitter gourd, sponge gourd, cucumber, pumpkin and grapevine.

Herbs- Plants with soft and flexible stem are called Herbs. They are 1 to 1.5 metre tall.

C)Plants can be classified according to basis of the natural length of their lifecycle-Perennials- Plants that live for many years are called perennials. These plants live and bear flowers and fruits for many years. EX- Neem, Peepul, Coconut 

Biennials- Plants that bear flowers and fruits only once and they complete their life cycle in two years.After that, they are seen to dry up and wither away. They are called biennials Ex- Carrots, Beetroot, Radishes

Annuals- Plants that bear flowers and fruit only once and they complete their life cycle in one year.After that they dry up. They are called as Annuals.Ex- Sunflower, marigold, jowar, bajra.