Course objectives

Introduction to basics in botany and tropical systematics through the study and practical recognition of the main families of tropical plants.

Course contents

Tropical Systematics:

• Structure and main divisions of the plant kingdom.
• An illustrated description of major tropical families (with particular emphasis on families and species of economic value).
• Presentation and handling of a simplified identification key for the recognition of the main families of tropical plants based on workable field criterias.

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures (approx. 15 hours).
• Fieldwork: practical work on systematics during visits to the botanical garden of the Villa Thuret in Antibes or the Jardin des Cèdres in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat (12 hours).

Course evaluation

Individual written examination without documents.

Target skills

Practical recognition of the main families of tropical plants from the observation of vegetative characters.