207-153 Horticultural Plants

This subject covers:

• taxonomic approaches to plant description and morphology (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits);

• plant habit and lifecycles, International Code of Botanical Nomenclature and Code for Cultivated Plants;

• use and application of plant recognition characters for identification; and

• study of horticultural plants in groups based on habit, life cycle and taxonomic approaches.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• recognise a group of plants commonly used in landscape horticulture; correctly write their botanical, common and family names and describe plant type and form;

• write plant names in accordance with the ICBN (International Code of Botanical Nomenclature) and the ICNCP (International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants);

• identify and describe the main morphological features of stems, leaves, flowers and fruits;

• determine the floral formula for a species; and

• use these plant recognition characters to identify a plant using a taxonomic key.

Two 90-minute written examinations (one mid-semester and one final) each worth 20% of final marks; one written assignment equivalent to 2500 words and worth 25% of the final marks; exercises and practical work submitted during the semester equivalent to 3500 words and worth 35% of the final marks. Attendance at laboratory sessions, tutorials, plant walks and field excursions is compulsory.