What is forest botany?

What is forest botany? It is a branch of Botany that, I think, many of us would have liked to study. Being in the forest, surrounded by trees, shrubs and other plants, being able to witness the changes they experience over the months; To be, in short, in contact with nature, must be a magnificent experience.

And, although having a garden and taking care of it is one of the most beautiful things we can do, it will never be the same as seeing plants in their natural habitat. Therefore, we are going to explain to you what is forest botany.

What is it?

It is the branch of Botany that is in charge of studying plants in their predominantly forest habitat, especially those of arboreal or shrub bearing but without neglecting other types of vegetal beings that could have a notable presence in the forests. So that?

Very easy: to observe them first, study them, understand them later, and finally to know how to use, manage and preserve them (not necessarily in this order). But, unlike general botany, which is more theoretical, forest botany is a predominantly applied science that focuses on ecology and forest management.

Because it is important?

Forests are the terrestrial lungs of the planet, where a great variety of animal and plant species coexist. It is very important to know and protect them, because we all depend on them. And it is that people usually think about our own benefit, in this case, how we can use the tree to have an easier life, but we should also think about those living beings that need this plant.

Squirrels, for example, take refuge in the hollows of an old tree to protect themselves from the cold; the birds feed on its fruits; and that is not to mention that future generations, like those of beech (Fagus sylvatica) take advantage of the shade and protection provided by older trees to grow.

We are all part of the Earth. The more we realize it, the more species can continue to exist.