Overview
Economic Botany is the study of plant-derived materials and their uses by humans. It looks at the ways that plants have been used throughout time to meet the needs of different societies and it studies the economic, environmental and cultural impacts of these uses. Economic Botany seeks to understand how plants are used, how they are grown and managed, how they can be sustainably harvested and what implications their use has for biodiversity and the environment. It is an important branch of science that contributes to our understanding of how plants are used for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, crafts and other purposes. Economic Botany also explores the social and economic aspects of plant uses and it can inform us about plant management, conservation, and agricultural and international trade of plants and their products. By understanding the economic importance of plants, Economic Botany can help in the development of sustainable and equitable use of resources.