The Botany for Gardens pages listed below provide a basic introduction to botany. This fundamental information should be useful for gardeners who want to understand more about the plants they grow everyday. This information also gives gardeners, without a botany background, an understanding of plant anatomy and complex plant processes that better equips them to provide care and conditions for healthy plants in their gardens.
Note: Botanical terms used on these pages are highlighted and, when clicked with the left mouse button, will be directed to KarensGardenTips.com Glossary for a definition of the term.
THE LEAF
General Characteristics
Modifications
Texture
Photosynthesis
Shape
Margins
Autumn Coloration
THE ROOT
Characteristics and Functions
Root Systems
Tissues and their Functions
Modifications
Factors that Influence Root Growth
THE STEM
Functions and Types
Tissues and Their Functions
Modifications
NOMENCLATURE
A Case for Using Botanical Names
Botanical Latin: Species Names
The Difference Between a Plant Variety and Cultivar
What is the Difference Between an Annual, Perennial, or Biennial?
REPRODUCTION
Ten Interesting Facts about Conifer Cones
Plant Hybrids for the Home Garden
TAXONOMY:
Plant Classification-Divisions of the Plant Kingdom
Classes of Flowering Plants: Monocots and Dicots
DICOTS:
Identifying the Laurel Family
Identifying the Magnolia Family
Identifying the Mallow Family
Identifying the Mint Family
Identifying the Mustard Family
Identification of the Parsley Family
Identification of the Pea Family Pea Family
Identifying the Sunflower Family
Identifying the Water Lily Family
MONOCOTS:
Identifying the Iris Family
Identifying the Lily Family
GYMNOSPERMS:
Identifying the Pine Family
PLANT IDENTIFICATION
Identification of Some Common Conifers by Silhouettes