Field Visit to Botanical Garden at Rouzathul Uloom Arabic College
The Bhoomithrasena Club of Rouzathul Uloom Arabic College organized an educational field visit to the Botanical Garden of the University of Calicut on January 13, 2025. The visit was aimed at providing club members with hands-on exposure to botanical diversity and enhancing their understanding of plant taxonomy, conservation practices, and ecological significance of botanical gardens.
Participants
The visit was attended by:
- 30 members of the Bhoomithrasena Club (BMC)
- Dr. Usama CA (Faculty in Charge, BMC)
- Mr. Shabi Suhail (Co-Faculty in Charge, BMC)
- Ms. Wafira Hanan (Research Scholar, RUA College)
Expert Guidance
Ms. Reshmi, Field Assistant from the Department of Botany, University of Calicut, accompanied the group throughout the visit. She provided expert commentary and detailed explanations about the various plant collections and conservation efforts at the garden.
Garden Sections Explored
The University of Calicut Botanical Garden houses an impressive collection of plant species organized into specialized sections. During the visit, the following sections were explored:
1. Arboretum: The arboretum section featured a wide variety of native and exotic tree species. Ms. Reshmi explained the ecological significance of these trees, their growth patterns, and their role in the local ecosystem. Students were introduced to several rare and endangered tree species being conserved in this section.
2. Aroid Collection: The aroid section showcased various members of the Araceae family. Students learned about the distinctive morphological features of aroids, including their specialized inflorescences and adaptation strategies. This collection highlighted the importance of preserving plant genetic diversity.
3. Aquatic Plants Section: This section featured a diverse collection of hydrophytes and aquatic vegetation. Members observed various adaptations developed by plants to thrive in aquatic environments. Ms. Reshmi explained the ecological importance of aquatic plants in maintaining water quality and providing habitat for aquatic organisms.
4. Bamboosetum: The bamboo collection displayed various species of bamboo, highlighting their rapid growth characteristics and versatile applications. Students learned about the economic importance of bamboo as a sustainable resource and its cultural significance across different societies.
5. Bryophyte Section: This specialized section contained various moss and liverwort species. The Field Assistant elaborated on the evolutionary significance of bryophytes as primitive land plants and their ecological role as bioindicators of environmental health.
6. Trekking Component
The visit incorporated a short trekking expedition through the natural forest area adjacent to the botanical garden. This activity allowed members to observe plants in their natural habitat and understand the ecological relationships between different species. The trek provided practical insights into field botany and plant identification techniques in a natural setting.
Learning Outcomes
The field visit to the University of Calicut Botanical Garden provided several educational benefits:
- Direct observation of plant diversity spanning various taxonomic groups
- Understanding of ex-situ conservation practices for rare and endangered plant species
- Appreciation of the ecological roles of different plant groups
- Knowledge about specialized adaptations developed by plants for diverse environmental conditions
- Awareness about the scientific, educational, and conservation functions of botanical gardens
The members of the Bhoomithrasena Club expressed great enthusiasm and interest throughout the visit. The hands-on learning experience complemented their theoretical knowledge and fostered a deeper appreciation for plant diversity and conservation. The combination of expert guidance, well-maintained plant collections, and the short trekking experience made the visit both educational and enjoyable.
The visit successfully achieved its objective of enhancing environmental awareness among club members and inspiring interest in botanical studies. Several members expressed interest in initiating plant conservation activities at their college campus, inspired by the practices observed at the University of Calicut Botanical Garden.
Programme Expenditure
| Sl | Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transportation | 280 |
| 2 | Transportation | 390 |
| 3 | Entry Fee | 300 |
| 4 | Lunch | 1650 |
| 5 | Transportation | 105 |
| Total | 2725 |
Report of the programme Download