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Identification
Operation in identification
To distinguish new taxa diagnostically and
Fundamental principles of
identification
Identification is essential to the
Fundamental principles of
identification
Identification of taxa are changed for the
(keys):
select characters that are in the usual
material to be identified
select characters that are easy to
observe and interpret
(keys):
select characters that are distinctive between
the various states
select characters that are independent from
other characters used
select characters that are tolerant to
environmental influences (that is, the do not
vary with the environmental)
(keys):
Construct strictly dichotomous keys
Use parallel construction and comparative
terminology in each lead of a couplet
Use at least two characters per lead when
possible
Follow a key format
phenetic similarities
The specimen:
Before identification of a plant can begin it
The specimen:
under different environmental conditions
The specimen:
A flower and a leaf would not be enough if
identification.
Equipment needed:
The most obvious need is a good reference
Equipment needed:
Colour photographs, although attractive,
Other equipment
although not vital, will make life easier.
Other equipment
These chemicals are concentrated potassium
Keys:
Apart from flipping through a picture book or
Keys:
Eventually, if all goes well, the number of
at first.
and familiarity.
Technical terms:
One of the main reasons why keys and
Technical terms:
Any subject in any field is filled with
Technical terms:
The great thing is not to be afraid of new terms,
also given.
Unidentifiable plants:
Some plants do not seem to be identifiable even
determination.
Unidentifiable plants:
It may be sent directly to a local herbarium, but
PLANT
COLLECTING
plants.
obvious.
useless.
habitat;
GPS for accurate location of collection site.
Collection details
Supply enough information about the
What to collect
Many plants have similar characteristics and it
Figure 1: A well-prepared
specimen of Acanthus
mollis mounted and in a
herbarium box. Large
specimens can be
dissected and mounted to
show the main
distinguishing
characteristics. Many
species require basal
leaves, stem leaves and
flowers for correct
identification.
Specimen preparation
All specimens should be free of soil. Gently wash
the roots to remove wet soil. Hard-set soil may
need to be soaked off to prevent damage to the
roots.
Large plants such as tussock grasses and sedges
can be carefully pried apart and a few tillers
with seed heads can be kept for identification
(see figure 2).
Figure 2: A
Specimen preparation
There are two methods of preparation
Longer-term storage
Use this method when sending specimens
Figure 3: Small
plants before
pressing. Note
how leaves are
spread apart to
give the correct
plant shape.
Longer-term storage
3. Larger specimens can be bent into a zigzag
to fit the sheet.
4. Multiple samples in newspaper can be laid
upon each other. These are then placed
between rigid boards with weights such as
bricks or books supplying enough pressure to
flatten them (see figure 4).
5. Change the newspaper daily for the first
few days then weekly until the specimens are
dry.
Aquatic plants .
should be gently washed then placed in
Aquatic plants .
Bulky specimens need to be placed in the
newspaper.
2. Insert a completed plant identification
sheet such as the one in this publication
and place it all between two pieces of
firm cardboard.
3. Attach a covering letter outlining your
request for identification.
Notes to take:
Every specimen should be accompanied
Notes to take:
It is far better to take too many notes
information
1. Collection number:
This is a serial number specific to a
1. Collection number:
For example, ARN/IND/99/237 may be
specimen #237
1999.
3. Locality:
This should be as detailed as possible,
3. Locality:
Handheld GPS units make
4. Description:
This should include everything about the plant
4. Description:
Flower and fruit colour should also be
5. Habitat:
This should include the general habitat as well as more
The more careful and detailed such notes are the more
6. Date.
7. Names of collector(s).
8. Notes:
Space should be left to note the name of
perforated pages.
Mounting specimens:
Once material is pressed and thoroughly
withoutbeing crowded.
The label:
Most herbaria have printed labels about 8 x 10