The father of botany is considered to be Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and scientist who lived from 371-287 BCE. He is known for his contributions to the study of plants and is often referred to as the "father of modern botany."

Theophrastus' Contributions to Botany:

Classification of plants:
- Theophrastus is known for his classification of plants based on their growth habits, such as trees, shrubs, and herbs.

Study of plant anatomy:
- He also studied the anatomy of plants and classified them based on their different parts, such as roots, stems, and leaves.

Observation of plant life cycle:
- Theophrastus observed the life cycle of plants, from seed germination to reproduction, and documented his findings in his book "Enquiry into Plants."

Identification of plant uses:
- He identified the uses of various plants, such as medicinal, culinary, and ornamental, and documented them in his book "On the Causes of Plants."

Theophrastus' Influence on Botany:

- Theophrastus' works on botany were highly influential in the development of the field.
- His classification system was used for centuries and formed the basis for later systems developed by other botanists.
- His emphasis on observation and documentation of plant life cycle and uses helped establish botany as a scientific discipline.

Conclusion:

Theophrastus is considered the father of botany due to his contributions to the study of plants and their classification. His works were highly influential and helped establish botany as a scientific discipline.

When Aristotle fled Athens, Theophrastus took over as head of the Lyceum. Theophrastus presided over the Peripatetic school for thirty-six years, during which time the school flourished greatly. He is often considered the father of botany for his works on plants