Dendrology: The Study of Trees

Introduction to Dendrology

• Dendrology is a scientific and artificial word derived from two Greek words meaning "trees" and "discourse or study".
• The term was first used in 1668 by Ulisse Aldrovandi, an Italian physician and naturalist, as the title of a book on trees.

Definition and Scope of Dendrology

• Dendrology is a division of forestry or botany that treats of the taxonomy of trees and other woody plants.
• It includes the study of nomenclature, classification, identification, and distribution of trees.
• In some universities, dendrology is taught by a professor of forestry, while in others it is taught by a professor of botany who specializes in taxonomy or systematic botany.

Importance of Dendrology

• The study of dendrology has five principal objectives: nomenclature of trees, classification of trees, identification of trees, and distribution of trees.
• Tropical dendrology is a distinct field of study that focuses on the taxonomy of tropical trees, which are different from those found in temperate regions.

Objectives of Dendrology

• Nomenclature of trees: learn scientific names, common names, and the code of botanical nomenclature.
• Classification of trees: learn how trees are classified into families, genera, and other groups according to their arrangements.
• Identification of trees: learn how to identify unknown trees using keys, manuals, floras, and herbaria.
• Distribution of trees: learn how trees are distributed into climatic zones and forest types.

What is a Tree?

• A tree is a woody plant with a well-defined, erect, perennial trunk and a more or less definitely formed crown, typically attaining a height of at least 12 to 15 feet (4 to 5 m) and a trunk diameter of 7 to 10 cm (1.3 m).
• Shrubs are perennial woody plants smaller than trees, usually with several perennial stems branched from the base.
• Herbs are plants with herbaceous or soft stems, annual or perennial.