On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Polish Botanical Society, an article by Prof. Nowak and his wife, Dr. Sylwia Nowak, Prof. UO, on geobotany was published. The authors point out that Alexander von Humboldt's dream of classifying the Earth's vegetation has still not come true. We still do not know the total number of vegetation types or the difference in patterns of diversity distribution above and below ground, nor can we predict all the effects of human activity on vegetation. Nor do we know the cultural significance of many plant communities in the development of human populations and civilizations. The authors express the view that because there are so many gaps in our geobotanical knowledge and so many young researchers are still in awe of boundless steppes, lush rainforests, tall herbs or colorful meadows, there is no doubt that geobotany will continue to be a flourishing and growing discipline.

Abstract

The dreams of Humboldt and many of his successors have not yet come true. Despite the great achievements of the last century, we still do not know the total number of vegetation types or the difference in the patterns of the distribution of diversity above and below the ground, we cannot predict all the effects of climate change on vegetation at the regional and global scale, we do not know the hidden and dark parts of species diversity in most ecosystems, nor are we able to make historical vegetation maps for many areas of the Earth. We also do not know the cultural contribution of many plant communities for the development of human populations and civilization, nor do we know the future recreational and therapeutic potential of vegetation (e.g., aromatherapy, ecotherapy). Geobotanical methods can effectively contribute to finding the answers to hot questions in current ecology. Since there are so many gaps in our geobotanical knowledge and so many young researchers still speechless with delight when looking at endless steppes, lush rainforests, tall-herbs, or colorful meadows, there is no doubt that geobotany will be a thriving and developing discipline in the future. Its driving force is the passion of researchers and admiration for the beauty of various types of vegetation and their dynamics as well as awareness of the need to protect them for generations to come.

Nowak A., Nowak S. 2022. Geobotany revisited - a glimpse at the blooming and influential discipline with its strong roots in the beauty of Nature and the pragmatic need of its protection. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 91: e912.

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2023-10-03 07:23:03