Plant classification - Families

Question 1

Define Families

Answer 1

Groups closely related genera
categorised by DNA and visible signs
Flower characteristics
Seed bearing structures
Leaf shape
Closely related plants usually like similar conditions

Question 2

Binomial System

Answer 2

Genus
A groups of species in family share similar characteristics

Species
A group of individuals in a genus share common characteristics which are to breed among themselves

Question 3

Hybrids

Answer 3

Intergeneric bred between 2 genera
eg X Fatshedera lizei

Interspecific cross between 2 species in same genus
eg Forsythia x intermedia

Question 4

Varieties

Answer 4

Naturally occurring - written in italics
mutation to be different from rest of species
eg Escallonia rubra var macrantha

Question 5

Cultivars

Answer 5

Human bred varieties
artificially created
not written in italics
enclosed in single quote marks
eg Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’

Question 6

PBR

Answer 6

Applied to plants to ensure propagators pay breeder
Ensures a good return on investment
Fines of around £500

Question 7

Why use botanical naming?

Answer 7

Each name is unique
Internationally understood
Stable and unchanging
Avoid complications of using common names

Question 8

Lifecycle

Answer 8

Seed - a protected structure containing plant embryo

Juvenile - Young vigorous vegetative growth
Not sexually mature
Softwood cuttings

Adult - Matured growth sexually reproductive (flowers and seeds)

Senescence - Declining stage
growth slower
flowering and fruiting usually ceased

Death - Tissue no longer respiring
metabolic processes have ceased

Question 9

Ephemeral

Answer 9

Species with numerous lifecycles in one season
Shortlived
eg Cardamine hirsuta
Senicio vulgaris

Question 10

Annual

Answer 10

Plant that completes lifecycle in one season (year)
eg Calendula officinalis
Centaurea cyanus