Concept in Definition ABC

The term dendrology is formed by the Greek word dendrón, which is equivalent to tree in Greek, and the word logía, which means science or knowledge. Is a discipline integrated into botany.

It focuses on the identification of tree species, particularly woody plants. In this area of ​​knowledge, the morphological characteristics of trees are studied, including stems, leaves or bark. It must be borne in mind that trees have an immense range of shapes and sizes as a result of the great diversity of species.

Do not confuse dendrology with taxonomy

Dendrology studies are responsible for identifying plants in their various structures. In this sense, it can be said that it is a complementary tool of botany. Instead, the taxonomy is limited to the classification of plants in their diversity. Despite being two distinct areas, both allow ordering the set of plant species with scientific criteria.

Main objectives as a subject of study

The first objective of this area of ​​botany is to establish a nomenclature of trees, both their common and scientific names. And all this following the rules and principles established in botany.

Second, dendrology identifies each tree within its corresponding family botany.

On the other hand, the type of relationship between each tree species with the different ecosystems is established.

Knowledge of dendrology provides useful information for the wood sector

Wood is a material with multiple uses, as it serves as fuel, for the furniture industry or for the manufacture of paper. In this sense, it is important to establish a correct classification of the different types of wood, to know the drying phases and their different properties.

Dendrochronology is a section of dendrology and focuses on the study of the rings of tree trunks.

The trunks of the trees present a series of circular rings. The more rings a tree has, the older it is. By observing these structures it is possible to know how each tree species has evolved over time, its diseases or climatic conditions.

The study of dendrochronology provides information about the past, especially about the evolution of weather (variations of temperature, velocity wind and other aspects of the weather that affect the development of trees).

Photos: Fotolia - Robert / Masson