An introduction to flower families and groups, plant features and use of keys
About this event
We start in the classroom with an introduction to flowering plants. We will examine specimens and will be shown the important parts required for plant identification and classification into families (and ‘genera). These key identification features provide short cuts to specific groups. How to find your way about an identification book will be discussed.
We will focus on relatively simple flowers to help you gain confidence for working on your own. Weather permitting, we will spend some time working outside in Tyland Barn Nature Park. We will work together or in pairs (but always under supervision) on the identity of selected species. The remainder of the day will be spent in the classroom with selected specimens, using the Wild Flower Key to confirm their identification.
This course is designed to give you confidence at identifying flowering plants using keys. In doing so, it will also give you a better understanding of a wide range of botanical terms and flowering plant classification.
By the end of the course it is expected that you will have a beter undertanding of:
- Some relevant botanical terms and flowering plant classification
- How to use keys for wildflower dentification
Led by Ros Bennett, Botanist
Suitable for beginners and those improvers who might be familiar with several plant species but have no prior knowledge of floral structure or experience using scientific keys to identification.
-
Accessible toilet
-
Parking
MORE INFORMATION
What to bring
Notebook and pen
suitable outdoor clothing
packed lunch and something to drink.
Nothing else is essential but if you have any of the following please bring them too. (We will be using the first 3):
- Hand lens (x 10 Magnification)
- The Wild Flower Key by Rose and O’Reilly (Warne)
- New Flora of the British Isles by Stace (CUP ideally 4th edit)
- Any other plant Identification books that you may have
NB Hand lenses may be borrowed or purchased (c.£8.50) during the course. and there will also be copies of Rose’s Wild Flower Key available to borrow and a few copies of the second edition of Stace.
There is now an independent café in the Barn which is usually open on Saturdays so you may be able purchase additional refreshments there.
Tyland Barn is wheelchair accessible. All surface path around wildlife garden. Disabled access to the barn and nature park Walking distances will be very short and the pace will be gentle.