Plant Identification

uccessful plant identification is the ability to observe and define the characteristic of an individual plant examine the plant and note the structure, texture of the stem, leaves, flower and the fruit as well as any available root.

Plant Identification Process

Plant identification is a process that begins with observing the plant as the whole, followed by evaluating the details of the plant part.

Methods of Plant Identification
It is divided into two;
i) Skilled method
ii) Unskilled method

Skilled(experts) Method : this involved the use of identification keys which are often employed by botanists

Unskilled Method : this is the common or local method of which people use.
The most important skill used in successful plant identification is the ability to observe and texture of the sterms, leaf, flowers and fruits as well as any available root.

Steps in Plant Identification
i) Determine if the plant is a conifer(needle shape) or broad leaf flowering plant.

conifer leaf.

Broad leaf

ii) Determine if the plant is deciduous or evergreen

Deciduous plant.

Evergreen plant.

iii) Determine the growth habit of the plant i.e. if the plant is an upper strata (tree) or middle strata (shrub) or lower strata (vine)
Trees
They typically have a single branch from the crown and a matured height not less than 12ft

Tree.

Vine
Have a climbing, clasping of self cling growing habit.

Vine.

Keys to Plant Identification

i)Leave characteristics
Leaf arrangement on stem—opposite, alternate or compound and rosulate

Image source.

ii) Leaf arrangement on petiole.

Image source.

iii) Leaf venation - leaf network, leaf shape

Image source.

Other identification to note include

-Leaf texture; Leaves may be
leathery, hairy, smooth and shiny.
-Stem characteristics(weak, Strong and underground stem)

• Bud type
  -Leave scar, bundle scar
  -Stem surface texture
  -internal stem feature
  -Fruit characteristics;
  Their colour e.g. Blue, reddish, yellowish and brownish etc.
  -Flower characteristics
  -Root characteristics