Botanist
OFO No: 213106
What is a Botanist?
Botany is an ancient science. Botanists study plant biology, including fungi and algae. They also study the relationship of plants with their environment and other living organisms.
DID YOU KNOW?
- South African has a serious shortage of skilled professionals and trained technicians in the plant industry!
Plants are extremely important to the world and to everyone’s lives. They are used in food, drugs, manufacturing (materials) etc. Botany serves an important role in providing the world with nutrition and medicine.
There are many different fields of specialised botany:
Aboriculturist
- Studies the propagation of trees
Agronomist – CLICK HERE
- Studies the science of crop production
Bryologists – CLICK HERE
- Studies mosses
Drendrologist
- Studies woody plants, shrubs and trees
Enthobiologists
- Studies the role and relationships beween plants and humans (cultures)
Floriculturist – CLICK HERE
- Studies the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens, floral industry and for export
Forester – CLICK HERE
- Studies forest management and related studies
Horticulturist – CLICK HERE
- Studies the propagation of garden plants
Marine Botanist
- Studies aquatic plants and algae
Mycologist – CLICK HERE
- Studies fungi
Paleobotanists
- Studies plant fossils
Pharming Botanist
- Studies the genetic engineering of plants to produce pharmaceuticals
Phycologists
- Studies algae
Plant Geneticist
- Studies the heredity and genetics of plants
Plant Pathologist
- Studies disease in plants
Plant Physiologist
- Studies the physical functions of plants
Pomologist
- Studies fruits and nuts
Taxonomist
- Researches, identifyies, names and classifies plants
Botanists are very good at research. It’s a very important part of their job. Botanists usually work both outdoors and in a laboratory. Some Botanists even travel locally and overseas to do research and/or discover new plants.
What does a Botanist do?
- travels to different locations study plants in their natural environment
- collects plant samples and other data
- studies plants under a microscope
- conducts experiments on plants
- writes reports
- attends conferences
- liaises with other plant specialists
- acts as a consultant to companies when necessary
Are you . . . ?
- passionate about plants?
- a person who loves nature?
- scientifically minded?
- inquisitive?
- self-motivated?
- willing to work in all weather conditions?
- detail orientated?
How do I become a Botanist?
- SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)
For a critical jobs list and for places to study various aspects of Botany in South Africa, CLICK HERE
There a numerous careers involving plants – which means there are a number of paths to study.
UNIVERSITIES of TECHNOLOGY and COLLEGES
National Diplomas can be done in (for example):
- Horticulture
- Nature Conservation
- Forestry
- Floriculture etc
CLICK HERE to find a training institution near you.
UNIVERSITIES:
Bachelor of Science degrees (BSc) can be done in biological sciences at most SA universities.
CLICK HERE to find a university near you.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many institutions offer opportunities for in-house training, internships, volunteer / vacation work and short contract employment.
- NATIONAL BOTANICAL SOCIETIES, SA
http://www.botanicalsociety.org.za/SitePages/Home.aspx
- SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF BOTANISTS (SAAB)
http://sabotany.co.za.www22.cpt3.host-h.net/
OTHER CAREER TO CONSIDER: Horticulturist, Forestry or Floriculturist
Is becoming a Botanist the right career choice for me?
04.02.2015 – Posted on Facebook
