CLASSIFICATION OF HORTICULTURAL PLANTS

August 11, 2022 Dr. Anita Singh

Classification Of Horticultural Plants

Horticulture is very important branch of plant science which accounts for food from three
major sources: vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Horticultural crops are very diverse that’s why plant classification is very important tool in
horticulture. Classification deals with the taxonomical aspects of classifying the crops:
their morphology, economical parts and agro-botanical characters. It aids in determining
the cultural requirement of plants, in predicting graft compatibility or in formulating
hybridization program for horticultural crops. Furthermore, it aids in man’s search for new
plants of horticultural importance.
Horticultural crops have been classified into various groups depending on their growth
habits, cultivation requirements, climatic needs and uses.
Purpose of classification
Classification of plants means the grouping of different plants having some characteristics
in common. Classification of plants is a relatively dynamic process and undergoes change
with change or increase in knowledge.
 For easy and quick cultural operations.
 For breeding purpose and to evolve new varieties.
 For facilitating propagation of crops.
 For effective control of pest and diseases.
 For cultivating crops suitable to different climatic conditions.
Objective of classification
Horticultural crops are popularly classified into the 3 broad divisions of fruits vegetables
and flowers. However, following points are considered to be most important basis for
classification of the crops.
 To get acquainted with the different horticultural crops
 To identify and classify these different horticultural crops
 To know their economic value and importance
 To determine their adaptability to local environment.
Horticultural plants are classified on following basis:
 On the basis of duration of life/life span.
  On the basis of climatic requirements.
 On the basis of growth habit and physiological characters.
 On the basis of plant parts used for consumption.
 On the basis of whether leaves are shed during the year.
 On the basis of pollination type.
 On the basis of longevity.
 Botanical classification.
 On the basis of rate of respiration
 On the basis of Photoperiodic responses
On the basis of duration of life/life span
1. Annuals:Plants which complete their life cycle in one season or one year are
called as annuals. e.g., Tomato, Balsam, Marigold etc.
2. Biennials:Plants which complete their life cycle in two seasons or two years are
known as biennials. e.g., Onion, Cabbage, Tuberose, Sweet William, holly hock,
Gladiolus etc.
3. Perennials:Plants which require more than two years completing their life cycle
are called perennials. The perennials necessarily do not die after flowering, e.g.,
Mango, Citrus, Drumstick (moringa), Asparagus (shatawari), Pointed gourd
(parwal), Chrysanthemum, philodendron, Aster, Gerbera, Tulip
Woody perennials: These plants have hard and fibrous trunk and branches. e.g.,
Bahuma sp., Mango etc.
Herbaceous perennials: These plants have soft succulent stems. e.g., Banana,
Chrysanthemum etc.
On the basis of climatic requirements
1. Temperate Horticultural crops:In temperate regions, the temperature in winter
season falls below freezing point. The crops shed their leaves and go into rest.
These chilling temperatures help the plants to put forth new growth. Flowering and
fruiting start with the onset of spring. e.g.,
Fruits: Almond, Walnut Raspberry, Black berry, grape, straw berry Pomes, apple,
pear, Peach, plum, apricot, Almond, Chestnut, Pecan, Pistachio
Spices: Saffron, Kalajira, Asafoetida etc.
Vegetables: Cabbage, Cauliflower, European varieties of carrot and
radish. These vegetables can be grown in sub-tropical regions; however, they
require temperate climate for seed production.
 2. Sub-tropical Horticultural crops:In sub-tropical climate, the summer are hot and
dry and winter are less mild. e.g.,
Fruits: Citrus, Guava, Pomegranate, Fig etc.
Spices: Turmeric, Ginger, Onion, Garlic etc.
Vegetables: Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli, Okra, Potato etc.
3. Tropical Horticultural crops:The climatic conditions in such areas are hot and
humid in summer and mild in winter. e.g.,
Fruits: Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Sapota etc.
Spices: Black pepper, Turmeric, Ginger, Cloves etc.
Plantation crops: Coconut, Arecanut, Cocoa etc.
Vegetables: Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli, Onion etc.
On the basis of growth habit and physiological characters
1. Trees:Trees are the plants which have a distinct stem or trunk which may be
woody or herbaceous.
Woody trees: These plants have hard and fibrous trunks and branches.
e.g., Apple, Citrus, Guava, Mango etc.
Herbaceous trees: These have soft succulent stems and having upright growth
e.g., Banana, Pineapple and prostrate growth e.g., Strawberry.
2. Shrubs / bushes:Shrubs or bushes produce a large number of branches and are
smaller in size than trees. e.g.,
Fruits: Phalsa, Coffee etc.
Ornamental shrubs: Acalypha etc.
3. Climbers: These plants attach themselves to supports such as trellis, arches or
lives plants. e.g.,
Fruits: Grapes, Passion fruit etc.
Spices:Black pepper (live support) etc.
Ornamental climbers: Allamanda, Antignon etc.
On the basis of plant parts used for consumption
1. Fruits: (Edible Part)
 Apple (Pome)= Fleshy thalamus
 Banana (Berry)= Mesocarp and endocarp
 Cashew nut (nut)= Peduncle and cotyledons
 Coconut (Fibrous drupe) = Endosperm
 Custard apple (Etaerio of berries)=Fleshy pericarp of individual berries
 Fig (Syconus)=Fleshy receptacle
 Guava (Berry)=Thalamus and pericarp
  Grape (Berry)=Pericarp and placentae
 Mango (Drupe)=Mesocarp
 Orange (Hesperidium)=Juicy placental hair
 Papaya (Berry)=Mesocarp
 Pineapple (Sorosis)=Fleshy thalamus
 Pomegranate (Pome)= Aril
2. Plantation crops and spices: (Name Edible Part)
 Coconut (Fibrous drupe)=Endosperm
 Arecanut (one-seeded ovoid drupe)=Seed (Fresh and dried)
 Cocoa (5-ribbed drupe)=Beans (Seeds)
 Coffee (Fleshy Drupe) = Seed (Bean)
 Black pepper (One-seeded spherical dupe)=Dried wrinkled fruit
 Clove (Fleshy drupe) = Unopened flower bud
 Cinnamon (Fleshy berry)=Bark
 Chilli (berry)= Fruit and seeds
 Turmeric=Rhizome
 Ginger (Capsule)=Rhizome
 Onion=Leaves and Bulb
 Garlic=Cloves
Vegetables: (Name Edible Part)
 Radish, Carrot, Turnip, Beetroot, Sweet potato= Roots
 Knolkhol, Potato =Stem
 Palak, Methi, Amaranthus =Leaf
 Cauliflower, Broccoli =Flower
 Tomato, Brinjal, Okra, Cucurbits =Fruit
 Beans and Pea =Pod
Onion =Blub
On the basis of weather leaves are shed during the year
1. Deciduous:the plants that are leafless or which shed their leaves during winter
are referred to as deciduous. e.g., Apple, Fig, Grape etc.
2. Evergreen:The plants whose leaves persist the year round or grow continuously
all the year round are known as evergreen. The evergreens actually lose their
leaves annually but not until a new set of
leaves are developed. e.g., Arecanut, Coconut, Banana, Mango, Sapota etc.
Classification on the basis of pollination type
1. Self-pollinated crops: Pollination in which pollens are transferred from anther to
stigma of same flower e.g., Grape, Sapota, Citrus, Peach, Tomato, Orchids, peas,
sunflowers.
2. Cross pollinated crops: Pollination in which pollens are transferred from anther
to stigma of other flowers or cultivar or species. e.g., Banana, Jackfruit, Walnut,
Date palm Grape, Papaya, cucurbits.
3. Often cross-pollinated crops: In some crop plants cross-pollination often
exceeds 5 per cent and may reach 30 per cent. Such species are generally known
as often cross-pollinated crops e.g., Okra, brinjal.
On the basis of longevity
The longevity of trees is very variable and plants can be classified on the basis as under;
Life span: Plants
 1000 years:sweet chestnut.
 100-300 years:
 50-100 years:Persimmon, Avocado.
 30-70 years:Apricot, Fig.
 20-40 years:Peach, Plum, Pomegranate.
 25-30 years:Currant, Gooseberry and Raspberry.
 4-5 years:
Botanical classification
 Vegetables:
Monocot:
 Areaceae– Colocassia.
 Alliaceae– Onion, Garlic.
  Diascoreaceae– Yam
Dicot:
 Chenopodiaceae– Spinach.
 Cruciferae– Cole crops, Turnip, Radish.
 Leguminosae– Pea, Beans, Fenugreek.
 Euphorbiaceae– Tapioca
 Malvaceae– Okra.
 Umbelliferae– Carrot.
 Convolvulaceae– Sweet potato.
 Solanaceae– Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli, Potato.
 Cucurbitaceae– Gourds, Melons, Pumkin
 Compositae– Lettuce
 Fruits:
Monocot:
 Musaceae– Banana.
 Bromeliaceae– Pineapple.
 Dicot:
 Rhamnaceae– Ber.
 Sapotaceae– Chiku.
 Rutaceae– Nagpur Santra, Sweet Orange, Acid lime
 Annonaceae– Custard apple, Bullock’s heart.
 Moraceae– Fig, Jackfruit.
 Vitaceae– Grape.
 Myrtaceae– Guava.
 Apocynaceae– Karonda.
 Anacardiaceae– Mango, Cashew nut.
 Caricaceae– Papaya.
 Punicaceae– Pomegranate
  Plantations and spices:
Monocot:
 Arecaceae (Palmae) – Coconut.
 Arecaceae (Palmae) – Arecanut.
 Alliaceae – Onion, Garlic.
 Zingiberaceae – Turmeric, Ginger.
Dicot:
 Lauraceae – Cinnamon.
 Mytraceae – Clove.
 Piperaceae – Black pepper.
 Rubiaceae – Coffee.
 Solanaceae – Chilli.
 Sterculiaceae – Cocoa.
Classification based on Rate of Respiration
1. Climacteric: Sharp rise in respiration after harvesting, e.g., Mango, Banana,
Sapota, Guava, Papaya, Apple, Fig, Peach, Pear, Plum, Annona etc. Climacteric
fruits produce much larger amount of ethylene than non-climacteric fruits.
*Highest ethylene production: Apple- (25-2500L/L), Passion fruit (466-530 L/L).
2. Non-climacteric: Steady respiration at the time of harvesting, e.g., citrus, Grape,
Pineapple, Pomegranate, Litchi, Ber, Jamun, Cashew, Cherry, Strawberry etc

Classification based on Photoperiodic responses

1. Long day plant: Passion fruit, Banana, Potato, Onion, Cabbage, Cauliflower,
Radish, Lettuce, Spinach, Palak, Turnip, Carrot, Beet.
2. Short day plant: Strawberry, Apple Pineapple, Sweet Potato, Indian spinach,
Dolichos Bean, Cluster Bean, Winged Bean, Coffee.
3. Day neutral plant: Papaya, Guava, Banana, Brinjal, Chilli, Okra, Cucurbits,
Amaranths, French Bean, Cowpea, Sweet pepper.

https://www.agriculturewale.com/classification-of-horticultural-plants/
Difference among small fruit, plant fruit, and tree fruit
Fruit Development
Flowering plants are all around us: they line our streets, fill our gardens, and decorate our
homes. In fact, flowering plants are currently the most diverse plant group on Earth. Many
familiar trees, such as oaks and maples, are flowering plants. Flowers are not only
beautiful and attractive to insects and humans, but they are also vital to the plant life cycle.
Flowers hold the reproductive organs of the plant, which are known together as the
stamen and carpelReproductive organ of a flower, which includes the ovary, stigma, and
style. After fertilization, the carpel becomes the fruit.. The carpel is in the center of the
flower and is composed of three parts, called the ovary, style, and stigma; these parts
can all play a role in the development of a fruit (Figure 1A). Inside the ovary are ovules,
or immature seeds. The carpel is therefore a protective cover, creating an optimal
environment for the ovules to transform into seeds. In order to develop into a fruit, the
carpel must first receive pollen grains successfully. After this, the carpel is fertilized, and
fruit development can begin. The outer parts of the flower, the sepals and petals, are
sterile and are usually bright and colorful to attract pollinators, which helps to assure
fertilization.

Fruits are the mature and ripened ovaries of flowers. The first step in fruit growth is
fertilization of the carpel. Then, a fruit arises from a series of transformations that occur
during the development of the fertilized carpel, resulting in the ovary of the flower maturing
and ripening. Throughout this process, the cells in the carpel of the flower change so that
the structural layers become the fruit.
The Role of Fruits
One of the main functions of a fruit is to spread the seeds and allow the plant to reproduce.
Therefore, all flowering plants produce fruit, regardless of whether the fruit is edible,
sweet, or soft. This means that, although we call peppers and cucumbers vegetables,
they are technically fruits (Figure 2). Acorns, maple keys, and the outside of sunflower
seeds are also considered fruits. They too develop from a series of transformations of the
carpel, and protect, store, and help to scatter the seeds of a flowering plant.

Types of Fruits
Every single fruit, regardless of whether it looks like the kind of fruit we are used to seeing
in the produce section, has three distinct layers—the exocarp Outermost layer of the fruit.
Usually in direct contact with the environment, provides the texture of the fruit. (outside),
mesocarp Middle layer of the fruit, in between the exocarp and the endocarp. It becomes
fleshy in fleshy fruits and is thicker in fleshy fruits compared with dry fruits. (middle), and
endocarpInnermost layer of the pericarp, in direct contact with the placenta (from where
the seeds form). It can be either hard (like in a stone fruit like a peach), membranous, or
fleshy in some fleshy fruits (like the tomato). (inside). Together, these layers form the
pericarpThe part of the fruit that surrounds the seed(s). The pericarp is formed by three
distinct layers: exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp.. Although these layers are sometimes
hard to tell apart, they can be identified within most fruits you eat. Fruits are usually
classified based on tissue types, texture, shape, dehiscenceSplitting open at maturity in
order to release its contents (example: the fruit splits to release the seeds). (when the
fruit splits open as a stage of development, like peas), and other morphological
characteristics. Fruits can be divided into two main categories: fleshy fruits and dry fruits
.

Fleshy Fruits
Fleshy fruits have high water content in the pericarp, and a fleshy mesocarp once they
are mature. This means that fleshy fruits are juicier than dry fruits. The group of fleshy
fruits includes many of the fruits that you may find in the grocery store, and many sweet
fruits, such as peaches and apples. Pomegranates, although we eat the seed and not the
fruit, also fall under this category, because their pericarp is soft and fleshy. Avocados,
peaches, plums, and other fruits with pits are also fleshy fruits, because they have a thick
and fleshy mesocarp (Figure 2). Peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes are also examples
of fleshy fruits, even though they are usually referred to as vegetables (Figure 2). In fact,
most edible fruits fall into the category of fleshy fruits. These fruits use animals, such as
birds or humans, to disperse the seeds.

Dry Fruits
Dry fruits are hard and dry when they are fully mature (Figures 3A–C). The pericarp of
dry fruits still has three layers—exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp—but compared with
fleshy fruits, they are thinner and do not have as much water. Sometimes the pericarp is
in direct contact with the seed, making it hard to tell the fruit apart from the seed. Most
dry fruits do not depend on animals to spread their seeds. Instead, they use other
mechanisms, such as dehiscence (Figures 3A,B) to free the seeds, or using water or the
wind to blow their seeds away (think of dandelions: the slightest wind will send the fruits,
equipped with parachute-like hairs, flying away).

A strawberry is an example of a dry fruit. If you look closely at a strawberry, you will notice
specks on the outside (Figure 3D). Each of those specks is a dry fruit, called an achene;
the sweet, red flesh of the strawberry is not actually part of the fruit. It is part of the flower
that becomes fleshy and edible. Some other examples of dry fruits are corn and
pistachios.

Simple, Aggregate, and Multiple Fruits

In addition to “dry” and “fleshy,” fruits can be further described by their structures: simple,
aggregate, or multiple. A simple fruit develops from one single ovary, such as a peach or
a tomato. An aggregate fruit forms from multiple ovaries in a single flower. Strawberries
and blackberries are examples of aggregate fruits. Lastly, a multiple fruit develops from
multiple ovaries of multiple flowers. Pineapples are a good example of aggregate fruits.

Vegetables
Fruits are not the only parts of the plants that we eat. The term vegetable can be used to
refer to other edible parts of the plant—leaves, stems, shoots, and roots. A carrot, for
example, is a vegetable, because the part of the plant that we eat is the root. Broccoli is
made of multiple floral buds, and is also traditionally known as a vegetable. Spinach is a
vegetable, because it is a leaf.

The Seedless Fruit Problem

If a fruit’s purpose is to house and disperse seeds, then why do we call seedless fruits
like grapes, oranges, and watermelons fruits? Although they do not contain seeds, these
structures are still considered fruits, because they develop from the carpel of the flower
through a series of transformations. Seedless fruit can come about due to a process
called parthenocarpy, in which fruits are still produced, even without successful
fertilization.

Some plants have mechanisms in place so that fertilization by their own pollen, or pollen
from an extremely similar plant, results in unsuccessful fertilization. This is called self-
incompatibility, meaning the plant cannot properly fertilize its flower to create seeds with
its own pollen. This allows for fruit development, but without seeds. This is how navel
oranges are grown to be naturally seedless.

Another example of a seedless fruit is a banana. Like humans, plants have genes located
in structures called chromosomes. Humans have two sets of chromosomes—we get one
set from each parent. Many plants follow this pattern, but bananas are different: they have
an odd number (3 to be precise) of chromosomes which makes them unable to produce
functional seeds, and therefore after many years of evolution bananas do not have seeds.
Instead, bananas have to be grown by planting a piece of an already existing plant to
make a new one. Next time you eat a banana, look for the brown dots in the center which
are the remnants of the seed.
Mendelson E, Zumajo-Cardona C and Ambrose B (2020) What Is a Fruit?. Front. Young
Minds. 8:27. doi: 10.3389/frym.2020.00027 Retrieved from:
https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2020.00027

The name 'small fruit' comes from the fact that the edible fruit grows on small perennial
plants. Most people know them as berries.

Here is the list of the berries:

 Strawberries
 Raspberries
 Blueberries
 Cranberries
 Currants
 Grapes
 Juneberries
 Gooseberries
Growers and other agricultural experts refer to them as 'berries' but all the small fruit
combined makes up for a significant part of our local agriculture. Many are already in
season and many will be coming soon.
https://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/seasonal-produce-highlights/what-is-small-
fruit
Plant fruit are fruits produced by plants such as banana, squash, cucumber etc. and is
usually not as sweet as other fruits.
Tree fruit
a fruit (as an apple, peach, or cherry) produced by such a tree
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tree%20fruit
Plantation Crops: Examples, Classification And Importance
By Agriculture Guide
April 12, 2023

Plantation Crop
Plantation Crops are the perennial commercial crops of tropical and subtropical climate
which are cultivated on an extensive scale in contiguous areas managed by an individual
or a company, requiring care throughout the year and the products of which are consumed
only after processing. Some examples are: Tea, Coffee, Coca, Coconut, Cashews,
Rubber Plant, Arecanut etc.

Many people have confusion between Fruit Crops and Plantation Crops. So, To clear that
confusion, we have listed the differences between these two are:-

Fruit Crops Plantation Crops

They are consumed after processing

They are directly consumed in fresh form.
only.

More Perishable Less Perishable

They require less training and

They require more training and pruning.
pruning.
 They have less market value and are They have high market value and are
exported in less amount widely exported

Classification of Plantation Crops

Plantation crops can be classified into 5 different groups:-

1. Beverage Crops Tea, Coffee

2. Oil Yieding Crops Coconut, Oil Palm, Palmyra Palm

3. Nuts Cashew Nut

4. Industrial Crop Rubber

5. Masticatory Crop Arecanut, Beetle Vine

Plantation Crops Classification

➡️ Beverage Crops: The crops which products are used to make beverage other than
water.

➡️Oil Yieding Crops: These crops are used to extract oil.

➡️Nuts: Nuts are dry single seeded fruits and have high oil content.

➡️ Industrial Crops: The crops which are used to make industrial products rather than
consumption.

➡️ Masticatory Crops: Masticatory crops are used for chewing purposes.

Characteristics Of Plantation Crops

 They are grown in large continuous areas.

 Crops have high market demand with good prices. Also, known as cash crops.
 They are perennial in nature.
  These crops are consumed only after processing.
 The return value (ROI) of these crops is high.
 They contribute to the national economy.

Importance of Plantation Crops

1. High Value Crops
They are commercial crops grown for their high value products. They have demand in the
market and are sold at high prices.

2. Export Potential
Many countries in the world export large amount of Plantation Crops Products. These
products have high demand in international markets.

3. Industrial Importance
Plantation crops means they are consumed after processing. Industry does the job of
processing which provides a way for industrial development. For example, Many tea
industries are opening to make tea from tea leaves.

4. Employment Generation
Production of these crops requires labour for the whole season. This creates job
opportunities for many people. For Example – In Kerela, coconut farming provides
employment to 78 man days per hectare per year. Moreover, Industries required for the
processing of these crops also creates employment opportunities for thousands of
people.
5. Prevents Soil Erosion
These crops grown in hilly and slopes like Tea helps to prevent soil erosion. They also
work as cover crops, So – Rain can’t wash away the soil.

Plantation crops are very important for national and agriculture. The farming of these
plants should be increased which can make country independent, and export of the
country will increase. Hope this article clears the concept about these crops. If you have
any questions, you can ask us from our contact us page.
https://guide2agriculture.com/plantation-crops/
REFERENCES:
https://guide2agriculture.com/plantation-crops/
https://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/seasonal-produce-highlights/what-is-small-
fruit
https://www.agriculturewale.com/classification-of-horticultural-plants/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tree%20fruit
Mendelson E, Zumajo-Cardona C and Ambrose B (2020) What Is a Fruit?. Front. Young
Minds. 8:27. doi: 10.3389/frym.2020.00027 Retrieved from:
https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2020.00027