Workshop 1: ‘Plant Families, and Vegetative Features of Rosaceae’

In partnership with Wild Amersham, this series of workshops for adults offers an introduction to the concept of a ‘Plant Family’, by exploring the Rose family, Rosaceae. This is not a family exclusively of roses – it is also home to a diverse array of other plants. These include many of our domestic fruits (Cherries, Strawberries, Apples, Raspberries), as well as garden plants (Potentilla, Spiraea, Alchemilla) and wildflowers (Wood Avens, Agrimony and Tormentil).

Under the guidance of local botanist Karen van Oostrum, you will discover why such diverse species are included within the same family. Karen will take you through the key features of plants in Rosaceae, giving you the opportunity to look carefully at the structures of leaves, flowers and fruits from a range of species.

In Workshop 1, we will begin with an introduction to the concept of a plant family. Karen will explain what a plant family is, how it relates to classification and taxonomy, and why it is useful. Participants will then explore the vegetative features (leaves and stems) of species within Rosaceae. Along the way, Karen will introduce a few botanical terms to help describe these features. You will see how leaves and stems can aid identification, and there will be plenty of plant material available for close observation and for practising your own descriptive skills.

The three workshops link together, and you are encouraged to attend the full series. However, each is a standalone session, so you are also welcome to book them individually.

You may wish to bring a notebook and pen. A wildflower guide or hand lens can also be helpful if you have them, but there is no need to purchase these if you don’t.