The Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology not only comprises the institute itself but also includes the Botanical Garden and the Arboretum.

Founded in the 18th century, the institute has a long tradition: Many great botanists have earned reputation in Greifswald, such as Erich Leick, Robert Bauch, Heinrich Borriss, Werner Rothmaler, Franz Fukarek and Michael Succow.