Tree ID Flashcards
Why do we need to know Tree ID
Diagnosing tree problems. ( pines or palms) Understanding Species that are more likely to attract bugs or
diseases. (oleander)
Trees that have different culture requirements ( willow or palo verde )
Applying pesticides or treatments ( is legally required to apply in some states )
Writing Certified Arborist reports ( if tree is illegally removed or appraisals )
What is Taxonomy and its two purposes
the science of identifying, naming and classifying organisms.
to help us communicate accurately about plants and (2) to represent our understanding of how they are related to each other.
Levels of Taxonomy
Kingdom
Division or Phylum ( This level separates vascular plants from plants lacking vascular tissue ( Xylem and phloem)
Class (Angiosperms and Gymnosperms)
Dicots: most broadleaf tree species/Monocots:grasses lilies, orchids, and palm trees
Orders
Families
Genus(closely related)
What is Plant Nomenclature
naming of plants.
Botanical names of plants are based on species classification system, and each Botanical name has at least two parts. Plants are named after people too
What is a Hybrid Species tree
Names of hybrid species are written with an “x” between the genus and species.
Bauhinia x blakeana ( Hong Kong Orchid Tree ) is Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia variegata. Named after two botanist brothers in 16th century.
What is a form
slight differences in size, fruit, leaf size and levels of hardiness. An example here would be Pinus torreyana.
What is a Cultivar
cultivated varieties that require human intervention ( propagation or cultivation ) to maintain a trait. Cultivar names are written within single quotation marks or with the abbreviation “cv”.
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ - Little Gem Magnolia
CULTIVARS CANNOT BE TRADEMARKED
What is morphology
he size, shape, and external appearance of plant parts. Common characteristics used to identify trees is leaves or needles, bark, branching, fruit, flowers, and buds
What is a simple leaf
is singular and NEVER divided into smaller leaflet units.
Ficus Magnolia Mulberry
What is a compound leaf
has two or more leaflets but only a single bud or cluster of buds at the base of petiole. Like a rose or fern leaf.
What a pinnately compound leaf
has small leaflets arranged along its central leaf vein and has a similar appearance to a feather. ( tipuana, pecan, locust )
What is a Bipinnately compound leaf
has leaflets themselves divided into smaller leaflets.
( jacaranda, mimosa or silk floss , and juvenile leaves on a black acacia)
What is palmately compound leaf
has small leaflets joined at a common center point on the leaf, like fingers on a hand. ( liquid amber, sycamore, maples )
What are juvenile leaves
trees will have different characteristics when young, and as saplings such as leaves. Eucalyptus, mulberry, acacia, holly all will start in a different form and eventually change to its mature tree leaf
How are decidious trees identified in the winter
bark, branching habit, twigs, buds, fruit, and pith.
Examples: Sycamore ( hairs, fiberglass bush ), podocarpus ( newer growth ), flame tree ( fall flowering ).
