Horticultural and Botanical Classification || KHETI KA HISAB ||

 

Horticultural and Botanical Classification

Both horticultural classification and botanical classification refer to the organization of plants into categories or groups, but they serve different purposes and are based on different criteria. While botanical classification is a more scientific approach focusing on plant genetics, evolution, and morphology, horticultural classification is more practical and centered around the use, cultivation, and production of plants.

Botanical Classification

Botanical classification, also known as plant taxonomy, is the science of classifying plants based on their evolutionary relationships and genetic similarities. It follows a hierarchical system that starts with broad categories and becomes more specific as you move down the ranks.

Botanical classification is based on the following hierarchy:

1.     Kingdom:

o    The highest level in classification, grouping all living organisms into categories like Plantae (plants), Animalia (animals), and others.

2.     Division/Phylum:

o    Within the plant kingdom, plants are divided into various divisions or phyla. For example, Angiosperms (flowering plants) and Gymnosperms (non-flowering seed plants) are two divisions in the plant kingdom.

3.     Class:

o    Further grouping within divisions. For example, the Angiosperms (flowering plants) are divided into Monocots (one cotyledon) and Dicots (two cotyledons).

4.     Order:

o    Groups plants that share common characteristics within a class. For example, the order Rosales includes plants like roses, apples, and strawberries.

5.     Family:

o    A more specific group, often related to a group of plants with similar flowers or fruit characteristics. For instance, the Rosaceae family includes plants like roses, apples, and cherries.

6.     Genus:

o    A group of species that share certain similarities and are closely related. For example, the genus Citrus includes species like Citrus limon (lemon), Citrus sinensis (orange), and others.

7.     Species:

o    The most specific level in classification, representing a group of plants that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. For example, Citrus limon refers specifically to the lemon plant.

8.     Variety/Cultivar:

o    Varieties are naturally occurring subgroups within a species that have specific characteristics, while cultivars are cultivated plants with desirable traits (e.g., Citrus limon 'Eureka', a cultivar of lemon).

Botanical Classification Example:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Angiosperms (flowering plants)
• Class: Dicots
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Rosaceae
• Genus: Malus
• Species: Malus domestica (apple)

Horticultural Classification

Horticultural classification is more practical and user-focused, often centered around how plants are cultivated, used, and grown for particular purposes. It takes into account factors such as plant morphology (appearance), life cycle, or intended use (e.g., food, ornamental, medicinal). This system is primarily used by gardeners, landscapers, and horticulturalists.

Horticultural classification often involves the following criteria:

1.     Plant Type:

o    Plants are classified based on their growth habits and structures.

§  Trees: Large, woody plants that have a single trunk (e.g., apple tree).

§  Shrubs: Smaller, woody plants with multiple stems (e.g., rose bush).

§  Herbs: Non-woody plants, usually smaller, with soft stems (e.g., basil, spinach).

§  Vines: Plants that climb or spread along the ground (e.g., grapes, ivy).

2.     Life Cycle:

o    Plants are classified by how long they live.

§  Annuals: Complete their life cycle in one year (e.g., marigold, lettuce).

§  Biennials: Complete their life cycle in two years (e.g., carrots, cabbage).

§  Perennials: Live for more than two years and usually flower and produce seeds multiple times (e.g., peonies, asparagus).

3.     Uses:

o    Food Plants: These include edible fruits, vegetables, and herbs (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes, mint).

o    Ornamental Plants: Grown primarily for decorative purposes (e.g., roses, tulips, lilies).

o    Medicinal Plants: Plants with health benefits used in traditional medicine (e.g., aloe vera, chamomile).

o    Spices and Herbs: Plants used for flavoring food (e.g., cinnamon, coriander, rosemary).

4.     Cultivation Techniques:

o    Hydroponics: Plants grown in nutrient-rich water without soil (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes).

o    Grafted Plants: Plants that have been joined to a different rootstock (e.g., grafted fruit trees like apples).

o    Greenhouse Plants: Plants that thrive in controlled, indoor environments (e.g., tropical flowers, herbs).

5.     Flowering and Non-flowering Plants:

o    Flowering Plants: These produce flowers for reproduction (e.g., tulips, daisies).

o    Non-flowering Plants: Includes ferns and mosses, which reproduce without flowers (e.g., ferns, mosses).

6.     Hardiness Zone:

o    Plants are classified according to their tolerance to climate and temperature extremes, especially relevant for gardeners.

§  Hardy Plants: Tolerate cold climates (e.g., apple trees, lavender).

§  Tender Plants: Require warmer climates (e.g., bananas, hibiscus).

Horticultural Classification Example:

• Type: Shrub
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Use: Ornamental
• Cultivation: Greenhouse plant
• Example Plant: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)

Key Differences Between Botanical and Horticultural Classification:

1.     Focus:

o    Botanical Classification is focused on the evolutionary relationships, genetic characteristics, and morphology of plants.

o    Horticultural Classification is focused on practical uses, growth habits, cultivation, and commercial use.

2.     Criteria:

o    Botanical Classification uses criteria like genetic analysis, flower structure, and plant development.

o    Horticultural Classification considers growth form, use (food, ornamental, medicinal), and cultivation practices.

3.     Application:

o    Botanical Classification is used primarily in research, education, and conservation.

o    Horticultural Classification is more relevant to gardening, farming, landscaping, and commercial horticulture.

4.     Hierarchical Levels:

o    Botanical Classification has several hierarchical levels, including kingdom, division, class, order, family, genus, and species.

o    Horticultural Classification typically uses categories based on plant use and growth characteristics, with less emphasis on hierarchical taxonomic relationships.