The categorization of flush is one part of the science of taxonomy , or the classification of organisms . This hierarchy of categorisation is base on processes of ontogeny , method of propagation , growth and other characteristics shared by groups of organism . The pecking order proceeds from the most general to the most specific : kingdom ( plants secernate from animals ) ; phylum ( methods of development , like spores or ejaculate ) ; class ( generally whether plant seed contain one or two folio sprouts ) ; order ( further ontogeny information shared by grouping of plants ) ; family ( plants with even stronger similar characteristics , like bromelia and pineapple plant ) ; genus ( all the potpourri of ananas ) ; and mintage ( often name for the spotter ) . While not all botanists concur on on the dot where plant belong in this hierarchy , sort out them is the first step in learn about them . Of particular pursuit to gardeners are the last three ranks : folk , genus and species . These make up the information most often displayed on plant life labels and provide selective information for growth and caution .
How to Classify Flowers
Step 1
Use family information to explore different kinds of works that are likely to do well under the same experimental condition . Some families are jolly tight - rumple . Most of the plants in the bromeliaceae family grow best under tropic conditions ; sort sell in northern nursery may need to spend their entire life indoors . Other families have a wider variety of relatives . Tomato , potato , peppers , mandrake , morning glory and tobacco all share chemical part that link them in the solanaceae , or nightshade , kinfolk . Allergies to one member of the family evoke possible allergic reaction to other members .
Step 2
apply genus information to pick up more about how your plant will grow and look when mature . Latin genus names sometimes resemble common names ( genus genus Lilium : lily ; genus cedrus : cedar tree ) . Some do not ( genus smithatris dedicate no clue to this unexampled member of the powdered ginger family ) .
Step 3
Use specie info to see the history or special distinguishing characteristics of your industrial plant . Cedrus libani , or cedar of Lebanon , takes its species name from its area of origin . A plant name ending in alba will usually have sick or white bloom . Grandiflora delineate large flowers . Added to this may often be a unwashed name of the diversity , such as hopeful lights , Joseph ’s coating or mortgage lifter .
Step 4
habituate industrial plant taxonomy to research plants that do well in your growing surface area . The U.S. Department of Agriculture ’s plant database has photographs and raise info , along with information on encroaching and endangered flora . The more you know about your plant , the right you could help them mature .
