Exploring the Legacy of Annals of Botany
In the vast landscape of scientific literature, few publications hold as much historical weight and academic rigor as Annals of Botany. Since its inception in the late 19th century, this monthly peer-reviewed journal has served as a cornerstone for the botanical community, bridging the gap between foundational plant studies and cutting-edge modern research.
Whether exploring experimental, theoretical, or applied plant biology, the journal provides a platform for scientists to share discoveries that shape our understanding of the plant kingdom. Today, it continues to be a leading voice in the field, managed by a non-profit educational charity and published by the prestigious Oxford University Press.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1887
- Discipline: Botany (Plant Biology)
- Frequency: Monthly
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- 2021 Impact Factor: 5.040
- Chief Editor: Rowan Sage (as of 2024)
A Comprehensive Overview of the Journal
Annals of Botany is dedicated to all aspects of plant biology. It is owned and managed by the Annals of Botany Company, which is registered as a non-profit educational charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This charitable structure ensures that the journal's primary mission remains focused on education and scientific advancement.
Publication Model and Accessibility
The journal is published both in print and online, primarily funded through annual institutional subscriptions. While the journal does not charge authors page fees, it offers an optional open access route, allowing authors to pay a standard fee to make their research freely available to the public. Additionally, the journal occasionally releases extra issues free of charge to focus on specific, topical themes in plant science.
Scientific Impact and Metrics
The academic influence of Annals of Botany is reflected in its various scientific metrics. In 2019, the journal held a significant position in the scientific community, ranking 27th out of 234 journals in the Plant Sciences category. Its performance is measured through several key indicators:
- Impact Factor: A measure of the frequency with which the average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year (5.040 in 2021).
- H-Index: A metric that measures both the productivity and citation impact of the publications (165).
- Eigenfactor: A measure of the journal's importance within the scientific community (0.01652).
- SCImago Score: A metric used to rank scientific journals (1.615).
The Annals of Botany Family
The journal is part of a broader ecosystem of botanical publishing. Its sister publications include:
- AoB Plants: An online-only, open-access botanical journal.
- in silico PLANTS: An online open-access journal specifically devoted to plant modelling (the use of computer simulations to study plant systems).
- Botany One: An informal online plant science publication with which the journal is closely associated.
Historical Foundations
The modern era of Annals of Botany began in 1887, founded by Isaac Bayley Balfour and Sydney Howard Vines. They were supported by a cohort of eight prominent botanists, including Sir Francis Darwin and William Turner Thiselton-Dyer. The rich history of the journal is well-documented; an extensive archive of letters, minutes, and accounts from its first 125 years is preserved at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
It is worth noting that an earlier periodical also titled Annals of Botany existed much earlier, starting in 1804 under the editorship of Carl Dietrich Eberhard König and John Sims, though it only published two volumes before ceasing publication.
Chronology of Chief Editors
The leadership of the journal has been shaped by many distinguished scientists. Below is a timeline of notable editors who have guided the publication:
- Sydney Howard Vines (1887–1900)
- Dunkinfield Henry Scott (1900–1912)
- Sir John Bretland Farmer (1912–1921)
- Vernon Herbert Blackman (1921–1947)
- William Harold Pearsall (1948–1964)
- John (Jack) Heslop-Harrison (1961–1967)
- James Frederick Sutcliffe (1967–1983)
- John A. Bryant (1983–1984)
- John Anthony Abbott (1983–1984)
- David Frederick Cutler (1984–1990)
- Roderick Hunt (1990–1996)
- Michael Barson Jackson (1996–2008)
- John Seymour (Pat) Heslop-Harrison (2008–2020)
Journal Summary Data
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print) | 0305-7364 |
| ISSN (Web) | 1095-8290 |
| ISO Abbreviation | Ann. Bot. |
| Language | English |
| LCCN | 23015643 |
| OCLC Number | 611985336 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects does Annals of Botany cover?
The journal publishes experimental, theoretical, and applied research papers covering all aspects of plant biology.
Does the journal charge authors to publish?
The journal does not levy page charges. However, authors have the option to pay a standard fee if they wish to secure open access status for their papers.
Who owns Annals of Botany?
The journal is owned and managed by the Annals of Botany Company, a non-profit educational charity registered in England and Wales.
How often is the journal published?
Annals of Botany is a monthly publication, though it also produces regular extra issues focused on specific topical themes.
What are the sister journals of Annals of Botany?
Its sister journals are AoB Plants, an online-only open access journal, and in silico PLANTS, which focuses on plant modelling.