How plants are Identified and collecting Flashcards
3 ways to accomplish Identification
Ue a key
Compare unknown to herbarium specimens
Consult and expert
4 things needed to properly observe plants
- hand lens (at least 10x)
- Pair of sharp-pointed forceps
- Dissecting needle
- Single edge razor blade
Things to observe
- woody or herbaceous? annual or perennial?
- flower parts
- # of sepals and petals. Fused or separate?
- # stamens. Attachment. Fusion of filaments or anthers.
- # of pistils, styles, stigmas of the gynoecium
- cross section, count locules, ovules. placentation type.
-longitudinal section. ovary position and fusion of the parianth
-distribution and kinds of surface coverings
…. Then you can key.
First modern key
Lamarck’s (1805) Flora Francois
Key
Provides correct identity of a specimen by process of elimination.
Use diagnostic characters.
Most are dichotomous (present two choices at each step, pair of choices = couplet).
Rules for preparing a key
1) dichotomous
2) 1st word of each lead should be identical
3) two parts of the couplet should be contradictory statements.
4) avoid overlapping ranges and vague generalities
5) Positive statements (don’t use the word not)
6) Use readily observable features
7) Consecutive couplets should not begin with the same word
8) may need to provide two sets of keys (flowering vs. fruiting)
9) Couplets may be numbered or lettered, or left blank if indented.
Two types of keys
Indented (yoked) and Bracket (parallel)
Collecting equipment for everyone
Field notebook Pocket knife / Pruning shears Digging tool GPS Hand lens at least 10X plastic jug w/ water vasculum camera pencil / pen with indelible ink plant press
Additional inters for professional collecting
String tags Collecting vials and jars FAA and Carnoy's fixing solution seed envelopes maps pole pruner plastic flagging saw
Plant press
12x18 inces
Herbarium sheets
11 1/2 x 16 inches
corrugates
cardboard cut the same size as the press with the corrugates running the width of the cardboard (act as air vents)
Rules for arranging specimens
- Show as many characters as possible. leaves and reproductive structures essential.
- turn over some leaves to show both surfaces
- press so reproductive parts can be seen and counted (split open if petals fused)
- fold whole plants in an N V or W shape
- Press small herbs whole, including root
- fleshy parts should be sectioned along long axis
- Hard fruits and cones should be dried and places in paper bag with info on it
- collection number should be placed on lower right hand corner of newspaper
- Some are difficult to press and will do better after wilting a little
field notes should include:
Date, location, habitat, notes
labels should include:
Heading, scientific name, locality, Habitat, collector name, collection number, Date
