Plants are the driving force of life. Life would be complex or even impossible in the absence of plants. Plants play a key role in providing myriad benefits to other living organisms. There are about 320,000 species of plants reported around the world. These are multicellular organisms that form different structures and adaptations with respect to their environment. These plants are categorised into various types based on their structure, function, habitat, appearance, uses, flowering and more.  Based on their growth habits plants are classified into the following types-

• Herbs
• Shrubs

Herbs:

Definition

Herbs popularly known as herbaceous plants are small plants that produce thin soft stems above the ground. The height of shrubs is less than 3m. They have stems that are unbranched, soft, and thin. Their life cycle is mostly annual, biennial or perennial.

Characteristics

Some of the important and basic features of herbs are-

• They are small plants
• They possess few or no branches
• They have narrow leaves
• Their life cycle occurs between one or two seasons
• They can be uprooted easily from the ground
• Life span is so small
• They are rich in nutrients

Classification based on usage:

The herbs are classified into four major types based on their uses. They are-

• Medicinal herbs
• Culinary herbs
• Aromatic herbs
• Ornamental herbs

Uses:

Herbs are used for multiple purposes. Some among them are-

• They serve as food for various living organisms
• They play an important role in culinary uses
• Used in herbal tea making
• Used in herbal drug formulation
• They are used as flavour enhancers
• Used to treat injuries
• Effective against insects, worms or snake bites
• Serves as antimicrobial agents
• Used in perfume production
• Used in cosmetic preparation
• Used in ointment formulation

Examples:

Some of the commonly found herbs are wheat, onion, rice, carrot, cabbage, tomato, radish, sunflower, mustard, ginger, turnip, clove, banana, grass, rosemary, basil, parsley, mint leaves, etc.

Shrubs:

Definition

Shrubs popularly known as bushes are medium-sized plants that produce thick woody stems above the ground level. Shrubs are commonly evergreen or deciduous. Their height varies between 2 to 10 m. They have stems that form multiple branches, woody and thick. Their life cycle is perennial.

Characteristics

Some of the important and basic features of shrubs are-

• They are small to medium-sized plants
• They possess multiple sets of branches
• They have broad leaves
• Their life cycle persists for several seasons
• They cannot be uprooted easily from the ground
• Life span is long
• They are commonly applied for commercial and agricultural purposes

Classification based on Structural forms:

The following structural forms are classified in shrubs with a height of 2–8 metres (6.6–26.2 feet)-

• A dense canopy of greenery (70–100%) is called a closed shrub
• Coverage of mid-density foliage (30–70%) is called an open shrub
• A small number of leaves (10–30%) is called tall shrubland
• The foliage cover is quite poor (less than 10%) is called tall open shrubland

Uses

Shrubs are used for multiple purposes. Some among them are-

• Widely used in gardens and parks
• Helps prevent soil erosion
• Conserves water
• Provides timber and fuelwood
• Serves as feed for livestock
• Produces edible fruits and roots
• Enhances tourism
• Serve as ornamental plants
• Used in perfume production
• Helps in moisturiser production
• Possess few medicinal properties

Examples:

Some of the commonly found shrubs are jasmine, pomegranate, oleander, orange, aloe, maple, chokeberry, barberry, bougainvillaea, heather, pea tree, fern bush, rockrose, etc.

Differences between Herbs and Shrubs:

The below table gives a detailed description of the differences between Herbs and shrubs

Conclusion:

Herbs and Shrubs are types of plants that are important for various purposes. They serve as food for other living organisms. They are well known for their diverse medicinal qualities that help in the cure of various diseases. It is potentially used in the treatment of small injuries to fatal cancers. Different types of herbs and shrubs found in different parts of the world are applied in various fields for economic growth. Herbs and shrubs are cultivated commercially as it serves various purposes required for the welfare of mankind.