ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Variety (botany)

Variety in botany refers to different subtypes or variations of the same plant species.

Imagine you have a family of apples – they all look and taste differently, but they are still apples. In the same way, plant species also have different varieties that look and behave slightly differently, but they are still the same overall plant.

For example, the tomato plant has different varieties like Roma, Cherry, and Beefsteak. Roma tomatoes are smaller and are often used in cooking, while Beefsteak tomatoes are larger and are used for slicing and sandwiches.

Varieties can differ in many ways such as leaf shape, fruit size, color, flavor, growth habit, and disease resistance. These differences are often the result of genetics, environmental conditions, and human intervention (such as cross-breeding).

Having different varieties within a plant species can be beneficial because it can increase genetic diversity and provide different traits that may be useful in different settings. It also allows for more choices for farmers and gardeners in selecting the best plant for their needs.