Review and progress of research on plant culture

Abstract

The term is defined as the selection and coevolution of mankind and plants, as well as the resulting material wealth, and the behavioral influence of plants. The research of plant culture includes seven areas: plant nomenclature, their use as food, medicine, wood, the appreciation of plants, their use as symbols, and ecology. Here, the research in five of these areas (plant nomenclature, food, medicine, appreciation, and symbols) over the last 30 years is reviewed. The major achievement in plant nomenclature has been exegetics from ancient Chinese names to current and Latin nomenclature. The research in plant selection for food has made great progress in the fields of original plants used as crops, the cultivation history of vegetables and fruits, and the origin of crops. The study of plant selection in medicine has made progress in the use of original plants of traditional Chinese medicine and ethnobotany. The research in plant selection for the appreciation of plants, including floristic culture, ornamental plants, plant exegetics of Chinese classics and ancient trees, has improved significantly. As for plant selection as symbols, there is some progress in the use of plants in rites, religion and customs. The research of plant culture will aid the cultural renaissance strategy sponsored by the Chinese government, as well as the cultural resources. It is expected that there will be much future progress in each of these research areas.