Plant Identification Techniques

8/13/2019 Plant Identification Techniques

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Interactive Keys

for Plant Identification

Conventional Identification keys

vs Interactive keys


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Plant Identification Tools

The methods of identification include (1) expert

determination, (2) recognition, (3) comparison,

and (4) the use of keys and similar devices. Both monographs and Floras usually incorporate

a diagnostic key, by the use of which the

reader may identify an unknown plant.

A further important development is the use

of computerized methods of identification.


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Computer-access

Polyclave Keys

Computer-access keys involve the principles ofmulti-access (or polyclave) keys rather thansequential or single access (bracketed) keys, andthey may not be greatly affected if only one or twoof many characters do not fit.

It is relatively easy, given the proper computersoftware, to convert multi-access keys to acomputer-interactive format.

Original URL:http://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.html
http://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.htmlhttp://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.htmlhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/World%20Wide%20Family%20Identification.dochttp://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.htmlhttp://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.htmlhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/World%20Wide%20Family%20Identification.dochttp://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.htmlhttp://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.html


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Worldwide Flowering Plant

Family Identification

..\..\..\Krishna\Projects\Nepal Flora\2004

files\Family Identification queries.htm

..\..\..\Krishna\Projects\Nepal Flora\2004

files\Identification Results.htm

Listing of Families
http://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Listing%20of%20Flowering%20Plant%20Families.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Listing%20of%20Flowering%20Plant%20Families.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Identification%20Results.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Family%20Identification%20queries.htm


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Identification Tools

DELTA (Descriptive Language for Taxonomy

A descriptive database (Dallwitz 1980, Dallwitz

et al. 1993, 2000), from which descriptions, a

variety of identification aids, and analyses ofrelationships can all be derived.

[http://biodiversity.uno.edu/delta]

MEKA PANDORA (database programs for plant

identification),
http://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/DELTA%20DEscription%20Language%20for%20TAxonomy.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Meka%20Home%20Page.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Meka%20Home%20Page.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/DELTA%20DEscription%20Language%20for%20TAxonomy.htm


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On-line Databases

International Plant Name Index: The InternationalPlant Names Index (IPNI) is a database of the namesand associated basic bibliographical details of all seedplants. IPNI is the product of a collaboration betweenThe Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Harvard

University Herbaria, and the Australian NationalHerbarium. [http://www.ipni.org/]

Index Herbariorum: Index Herbariorum, a joint projectof the International Association for Plant Taxonomy(IAPT) and The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), is

a detailed directory of 3000+ public herbaria of the worldand the 8800+ staff members associated with them.

[http://www.nybg.org/bsci/ih/ih.html]
http://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Index%20Herbariorum.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Main%20page%20Index%20Herbariorum.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Search%20%20Index%20Herbariorum%20%20NYBG_org.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Search%20%20Index%20Herbariorum%20%20NYBG_org.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Main%20page%20Index%20Herbariorum.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Index%20Herbariorum.htm


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On-line

Kew Record of Taxonomic Literature- This valuable resourcelists references to all publications relating to the taxonomy offlowering plants, gymnosperms and ferns along with referencesto phytogeography, nomenclature, chemotaxonomy, moleculartaxonomy, chromosome surveys, palynology , are also included

along with relevant bibliographies. The database currentlycontains some 175 thousand references published from 1971 to2000 with new references being added once a week.

[http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/bibliographies/KR//KRHomeExt.html]

VAST (VAScular Tropicos) nomenclatural database- Thissite provides access to the Missouri Botanical Garden's VAST(VAScular Tropicos) nomenclatural database and associatedauthority files. [http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html] Nomenclatural database

Plant Specimen database
http://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Kew%20Record%20of%20Taxonomic%20Literature,%20Home.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Kew%20Record%20of%20Taxonomic%20Literature,%20Home.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Search%20Kew%20Record%20of%20Taxonomic%20Literature.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/efloras%20pages/Alternanthera%20sessilis%20in%20TROPICOS.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/efloras%20pages/VAST%20Specimen%20Lists.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/efloras%20pages/VAST%20Specimen%20Lists.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/efloras%20pages/Alternanthera%20sessilis%20in%20TROPICOS.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Search%20Kew%20Record%20of%20Taxonomic%20Literature.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Kew%20Record%20of%20Taxonomic%20Literature,%20Home.htmhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/Krishna/Projects/Nepal%20Flora/2004%20files/Kew%20Record%20of%20Taxonomic%20Literature,%20Home.htm


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Suggestions for the Use of Keys

1. The keys may be in a flora, manual,guide, monograph or revision.

2. Read the introductory comments on

format details, abbreviations, etc. beforeusing the key.

3. Read both leads of a couplet before

making a choice.4. Use a glossary to check the meaning of

terms you do not understand.


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5. Measure several similar structures when measurementsare used in the key, e.g. measure several leaves not asingle leaf.

6. Do not base your decisions on a single observation It is

often desirable to examine several specimens.7. Try both choices when dichotomies are not clear or

when information is insufficient, and make a decisionas to which of the two answers best fits thedescriptions.

8. Verify your results by reading a description, comparingthe specimen with an illustration or an authenticallynamed herbarium specimen.


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Suggestions for Construction of Keys

Prepare a description of each taxon.

Select "key characters" with contrasting

character states. Use macroscopic,

morphological characters and constantcharacter states when possible.

Prepare a Comparison Chart

Construct strictly dichotomous keys. Use parallel construction and comparative

terminology in each lead of a couple.
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/COMPARISON%20CHART.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/COMPARISON%20CHART.doc


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Use at least two characters per lead whenpossible.

Follow key format (indented or bracketed

keys). Start both leads of a couple with the same

word if at all possible and successive leadswith different words.

Mention the name of the plant part beforedescriptive phrases, e.g. flowers blue not blueflowers, leaves alternate not alternate leaves.


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A Dichotomous Key To Selected Genera Of

Saxifragaceae(Example of a bracketed key)

1. Shrub or woody vine 2.

1. Herbs 6. 2. Woody vine; petals 7 or more Decumaria.

2. Shrub; petals 4 or 5 3.

3. Leaves alternate or on short spur branches 4.

3. Leaves opposite 5. 4. Leaves pinnately veined; ovary superior; fruit a capsule Itea.

4. Leaves palmately veined; ovary inferior; fruit a berry Ribes.

5. Petals usually 4; stamens 20-40; fruit longitudinally dehiscent, notribbed Philadelphus

5. Petals usually 5; stamens 8-10; fruit poricidally dehiscent, 10-15ribbed Hydrangea. 6. Staminodia present; petals more than 10 mm long Parnassia.

6. Staminodia absent; petals less than 10 mm long 7.


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A Dichotomous Key To Selected Genera Of

Saxifragaceae(Example of an Indented key)

Shrub or woody vine. Woody vine; petals 7 or more 3. Decumaria

Shrub; petals 4 or 5. Leaves alternate or on short spur branches.

Leaves pinnately veined; ovary superior; fruit a capsule 1. Itea

Leaves palmately veined; ovary inferior; fruit a berry 2. Ribes

Leaves opposite. Petals usually 4;-stamens 20-40; fruit longitudinally dehiscent, not

ribbed; 4. Philadelphus

Petals usually 5; stamens 8-10; fruit poricidally dehiscent, 10- o 15-ribbed 5. Hydrangea

Herbs. Staminodia present; petals more than 10 mm long 6. Parnassia

Staminodia absent; petals less than 10 mm long. Leaves ternately decompound 7. Astilbe

Leaves simple.

Plant Identification Techniques

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