What are the major branches of botany?

Botany, the study of plants, has many branches that focus on different aspects of plant life. Here are the major branches of botany explained:

1. Plant Anatomy
   This branch studies the internal structure of plants — such as cells, tissues, and organs.
   Example: studying how xylem and phloem transport water and food in plants.
2. Plant Morphology
   It deals with the external form and structure of plants, like roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
   Example: identifying plant species based on leaf shape or flower structure.
3. Plant Physiology
   This branch explains how plants function, including photosynthesis, respiration, growth, and water movement.
   Example: studying how plants make food using sunlight.
4. Plant Taxonomy (Systematic Botany)
   It focuses on the classification, naming, and identification of plants.
   Example: dividing plants into families, genera, and species.
5. Plant Ecology
   This branch studies the relationship between plants and their environment.
   Example: how plants adapt to deserts, forests, or aquatic habitats.
6. Plant Genetics
   It studies inheritance and variation in plants, including genes and heredity.
   Example: breeding plants to develop better crop varieties.
7. Plant Pathology (Phytopathology)
   This branch deals with plant diseases, their causes, and ways to prevent them.
   Example: studying fungi, bacteria, or viruses that infect crops.
8. Plant Embryology
   It studies the formation and development of seeds and embryos in plants.
   Example: how a seed forms after fertilization.
9. Paleobotany
   This branch studies fossil plants to understand plant evolution and ancient vegetation.
   Example: studying fossilized leaves to learn about ancient climates.
10. Economic Botany (Applied Botany)
    It focuses on the uses of plants in human life — for food, medicine, fibers, and industry.
    Example: studying useful plants like rice, cotton, or medicinal herbs.
11. Ethnobotany
    This branch studies how people from different cultures use plants for food, medicine, and rituals.
    Example: traditional use of neem or turmeric in Indian medicine.

In short, the major branches of botany cover everything from a plant’s structure and function to its classification, evolution, and use by humans.