Magnifiers and microscopes, simple and compound microscopes, bright field and dark field microscopy, confocal and deconvolution microscopy, microscopic measurements, phase contrast, fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy – SEM, TEM..
When in the field they may use secateurs, trowels or other hand tools to collect plant samples.
Cameras may also be used to document plant species when it is not ideal to collect a physical sample of rare species.
In the laboratory, they use microscopes and various staining techniques to examine samples..
Botanical mounting cards are an essential tool for botany after your specimen is fully pressed and dried and you wish to display or preserve it.
Professional mounting papers tend to be sturdy and hard but not too thick and bulky.
There are several different ways to mount your specimen using different adhesives including glue, adhesive linen, or liq.
When you are ready to explore beyond the scope of what a hand lens can offer you, it’s time to pull out your dissecting kit.
Dissecting kits are an essential tool for botany so that you can delicately examine all of the small inner details of a plant.
As beautiful as it is to simply observe flowers in their whole form, it can be necessary to cut in.
Getting a good hand lens, also known as a “loupe,” is one of the primary essential tools for botany.
In order to fully and properly identify plants, we often need to utilize a “third eye” to get a closer look at the reproductive parts of the plant.
Hand lenses generally range from 3X to 20X magnification, with 10X being the standard for most botani.
A journal and writing utensil are both essential tools for botany that allow you to record notes and observations as you go.
These tools can add a lot of value to your practice if you review and compare your notes over time.
Some observations to take note of include environmental changes in a specific area, general habitat, weather patterns the day.
For the experienced or especially curious botanist, macro and micronutrient plant tissue test kits are also essential tools for botany.
The test strips in each kit allow you to test for macro or micronutrient levels within the plants you are examining.
Although this might sound like an extraneous step for some, these nutrient levels in plants refle.
Whether you are just beginning or already have lots of experience in the field of botany, a foundational plant guidebook with a dichotomous key is a must.
You can opt for a book with just a local dichotomous key and no frills, or you can pick one up with beautiful and detailed photos of each plant.
Photos can be helpful, especially when you are sta.
Another essential tool for a botanist is a plant press.
Although this might sound intricate and expensive for newbies, you can actually purchase a mini plant press that is easy to carry, convenient to use, and inexpensive.
You can even make your own.
Why use a plant press.
Plant presses help you collect plant specimens so that you can continue your.
