Botany is the study of plants; more specifically, of living organisms in the taxonomic kingdom Plantae. The kingdom encompasses a great number of diverse species, including evergreen trees, woody ornamentals, cacti, and even some types of algae. Learn about the parts of a plant and the inner workings of plants here; as well as the history of botany, careers and studies in botany, and the varied uses of plants.
Phototropism
Monday, June 03, 2013
Why do plants bend toward a light source? It is not simply a case of sun worship -- plant hormones are involved. Learn how phototropism occurs and for what reason.
Through The Grapevine
Monday, June 03, 2013
Growing grapes is a complicated, but fascinating, process. Learn more about the production of grapes for winemaking, jelly or juice production, or just good old-fashioned eating!
Ancient Botanists
Monday, June 03, 2013
Who were the forefathers of botany? You may not have heard of Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder, or Pedanius Dioscorides; however, they studied plants, oh, about 2000 years before you were born.
So You Want To Be...A Plant Pathologist?
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Do you look at a wilted plant and wonder what's going on? Are you interested in diseases but don't like the sight of blood? You may want to consider a career in plant pathology.
Seed Priming: Speeding Up The Germination Process
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Did you know there are ways to speed up the rate at which seeds germinate? Learn more about seed priming, used by experts to achieve faster and better seed germination.
Barbara McClintock: Botanical Pioneer
Monday, April 29, 2013
Barbara McClintock's research in maize genetics sparked a revolution in not just plant genetics, but in the entire field of biology. Learn more about this pioneering botanist and Nobel Prize winner.
Mycorrhizae: The Web Beneath The Soil
Saturday, April 27, 2013
What on earth -- or what IN the earth -- is a mycorrhiza? Learn more about the fascinating fungi which help plants gather and process nutrients.
The Plant Seed: The Secrets Within
Friday, April 12, 2013
There's a whole world inside a tiny plant seed! Learn more about the inner workings of a seed; how it reproduces, how it survives, and what conditions are required for germination.
Eucalyptus: The Fragrant Tree Of Australia – And So Much More
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The eucalyptus is a symbol of Australia, but is enjoyed worldwide. Learn about this fascinating plant, including its discovery, appearance, and essential oil.
Parthenocarpy
Thursday, March 28, 2013
How do fruits and vegetables become seedless, and how do they reproduce without seeds? Parthenocarpy refers to the production of seedless fruit, through either natural mutation or artificial means.