I don’t suppose anything particularly exciting comes to mind when you think of the word “botany.” Perhaps it only conjures up images of 9th grade biology class and those tiny wads of wet paper some depraved 14-year-old shot at you from across the classroom. At first, that’s what I—the self-proclaimed crazy plant lady—pictured, too. And then I took a botanical science class at Weedon Island Preserve, and it changed everything.
Botany is, in the most basic terms, the study of plants. Of the nearly 400,000 identified species of plants, all you really need to know is this: all plants are made up of the same parts, just put together differently. All are tiny factories, living multi-cellular organisms that absorb or make their own food through photosynthesis, protect themselves, and ensure their species continues through very unique reproductive methods. And they’re the basis of the food chain, the very foundation off of which virtually all other species thrive. In short, plants are fascinating.
There are four major classifications in the Plant Kingdom: mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. All plants are classified based on their physical characteristics and how they reproduce. Simple! Let’s look at more distinctions for each type:
Moss
Mosses are non-vascular plants (Bryophyta) that reproduce through spores. They thrive in habitats where moisture is plentiful, as they have no roots, leaves, or stems to transport nutrients and water. Mosses do an excellent job of reducing erosion near bodies of water.
Fern
Ferns are tropical-loving, seedless vascular plants (Pteridophyta) that reproduce through spores. These are the brown spots you see on the underside of their fronds. Characteristic of ferns, each begins in a fiddle-head shape and uncoils as they mature.
Conifer
Conifers are vascular plants (Gymnosperm) that use male and female cones to reproduce. Conifers can range from pines to giant sequoia trees and even certain types of palms. They’ve adapted to grow in temperate and tropical climates, retaining their color all year round.
Flower
Flowers are vascular plants (Angiosperm) that reproduce through seeds, sometimes housed within fruit. They are the most diverse group of plants, the largest families being daisies, orchids, and legumes. Most flowers rely in bees for pollination so they can grow seeds and reproduce.
Just the Beginning
The class I attended was two hours of fascinating information that left me with a new-found appreciation for plants, especially the ones I call my own. Where will this new curiosity take me? Perhaps the three-part series on plant identification? I think yes.
Have you ever gone back to the basics with a botany class? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
XO,
Micah
How fun to have fascinating classes to take to expand your knowledge and enjoyment! Also fun: your little moss Florida! 😀 Speaking of which, can you grow moss? We have it here and there on our trails, but I’ve assumed it’s just naturally occurring.
I agree! I didn’t make that shape on purpose, but I was happy to see that it turned out that way! Yes, you can propagate and grow moss, too. They’re usually used when making terrariums, which can look really cool with layers of pebbles, dirt, and moss. Check out this video for some inspo!