School of International Tropical Forestry

University Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

Tree Species Identification

Report on a Training Course

John B. Sugau and Berhaman Ahmad

Malaysian-German Forestry Education Project

Consultancy Report No 10
Deutsche Gesellschaft fr
Technische Zusammenarbeit
(GTZ) GmbH

Kota Kinabalu, September 2006

Tree Species Identification

Report on a Training Course

John B. Sugau and Berhaman Ahmad

September 2006

Malaysian-German Forestry Education Project, School of International Tropical Forestry

University Malaysia Sabah, Locked Bag 2073, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tel/Fax 0060/88/320658, Email: gtzpjb@ums.edu.my

1. INTRODUCTION
The training course on tree identification was co-organized by the Malaysian-German
Forestry Education Project (MGFEP) and the School of International Tropical Forestry
(SITF) of the University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) with the objective to support the ability of the
participants in:
(a) identifying the major commercial tree species of Sabah,
(b) collecting field samples, and
(c) preparing herbarium specimens.
From 20 to 24 July 2006, the training course was conducted for 13 participants from SITF
and 3 participants from Bornion Timber Sdn. Bhd., a company with research links to SITF
(see Appendix 1 for list of participants). The implementing consultants for the course were
Mr. John B. Sugau, Forest Botanist from the Forest Research Centre (FRC) of the Sabah
Forestry Department and Mr. Berhaman Ahmad, Forest Botanist from SITF, UMS. They
were assisted by Mr. Leopold Madani and Mr. Postar Miun from the Sandakan Herbarium.
The course was implemented through lectures, field work, demonstrations and an
identification test. The course programme and time schedule (see Appendix 2) were made
available to the participants prior to the course.
The lectures were held in the conference room of the FRC. Field work on tree identification
and plant sample collection took place at the Sepilok Arboretum adjacent to the FRC.
Procedures for the preparation of plant specimens for herbariums were demonstrated at the
Sandakan Herbarium of the FRC. The leaf sample identification test was conducted at the
Sepilok Jungle Lodge compound.
Dr. Michael Trockenbrodt, Chief Technical Advisor of the Malaysian-German Forestry
Education Project (MGFEP) and the two consultants were the key personnel in providing the
logistics and technical assistance.

2. CLASSROOM LECTURES
Six classroom lectures (power point presentations) were delivered during the course:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)

Introduction to tree identification and plant taxonomy

by Mr. Berhaman Ahmad
Terminology on morphological characters used for plant identification in the field
by Mr. Berhaman Ahmad
Higher plant reproductive morphology
by Mr. Berhaman Ahmad
Introduction to the Dipterocarps by Mr. John B. Sugau
Plant collection by Mr. John B. Sugau
Curation of plant specimens by Mr. John B. Sugau

Printed handout versions of all lectures were made available to the participants. They are
attached to this report as Appendix 3.

i) Introduction to tree identification and plant taxonomy

This lecture explained what plant taxonomy is and clarified its function in plant classification
and nomenclature. The lecture also touched on how plants are classified in plant systematic
studies using different approaches and concepts. Classification arranges plants in a
hierarchical system.
ii) Terminology on morphological characters used for plant identification in the field
Various morphological characters (e.g. leaf arrangement type, leaf type and venation),
which can be used to identify plants down to its scientific name, were explained and
discussed. Understanding the morphological terminology provided the participants with the
ability to understand the explanations given by the instructors during the field work. Knowing
the common morphogical characters shared by different plant groups allows easier
classification and identification.
iii) Higher plant reproductive morphology
A short lecture on reproductive morphology characters was given to expose the participants
to the variety of characters especially of flowers, which are the key to the plant classification.
The discussion of these characters was brief because most of the time these characters can
not be observed in the field.
iv) Introduction to the Dipterocarps
This lecture covered two main items, namely the introduction to the Dipterocarps and the
characters to identify different genera (Anisoptera, Cotylelobium, Dipterocarpus,
Dryobalanops, Hopea, Parashorea, Shorea, Upuna and Vatica) of the Dipterocarps in
Sabah (Borneo). First, general taxonomic information on the Dipterocarps was given and the
key characters of the family as well as its distribution were described. A list of dipterocarp
genera found in Sabah (Borneo) was provided. In the second part of the lecture various
distinguishing plant characters (reproductive and vegetative) were explained in detail and
their use to distinguish different genera of the Dipterocarps was described.
v) Plant collection
This lecture covered procedures on how to collect plants, which plant parts should be
collected and how to take notes when collecting plant specimens.
Various tools and means can be used to collect plant specimens depending on the habit of
the plant. Collections should contain all parts of the plant, such as flowers, fruits, leaves,
wood, etc. in order to obtain a complete description of the plant.
Field notes should contain all particulars that disappear or are invisible in the herbarium
specimen (when the specimen dries) and most importantly the collectors name, the date of
collection and the locality.
vi) Curation of plant specimens
This lecture covered procedures for the curation of plant specimens in the herbarium. These
include registration, preparation, drying, treatment with preservative (Mercuric Chloride),
plant identification, label preparation, dispatching, mounting, accession, indexing, filing and
maintenance of herbarium specimens.

3. FIELD PRACTICALS
Three practicals were conducted during the course:
i)
Identification of major commercial species in the field
ii)
Plant collection
iii)
Preparation and maintenance of herbarium specimens

i) Identification of major commercial species in the field

The participants were divided into two smaller groups for briefing convenience in the field.
Each group had two instructors to explain the field characters of the trees along the trail.
One whole day was spent to demonstrate and observe various spot/key characters of the
major commercial dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp plant species along the trail in the
Sepilok Arboretum. More than 50 plant individuals, mostly trees, were chosen for this
purpose. Vegetative spot characters were used to identify the trees because reproductive
characters are usually not available in the field/forest at all times.
A field key to the groups of Dipterocarps (prepared by Symington) was also tested during
the fieldwork, but it was found to be of limited use because some of the field characters are
not always present on the tree.
ii) Plant collection
Demonstrations on how to collect and press plant individuals of different form/habit (herbs,
shrub, trees, climbers, ginger, aroid, etc.) were given. After the demonstrations, participants
had the opportunity to practise the procedures on their own.
It was explained which specific plant parts should be taken when collecting plants of
different habit. How to make notes when collecting specimens was demonstrated as well. A
collection number must be assigned to the specimen collected. Then the name of the plant,
the date of collection, the locality and the habitat are noted down followed by a description of
the plant. The demonstrations also included how to press plants of different habit between
newsprint. The procedures on how plant parts could be reduced or trimmed when the
specimen is bulky or large were explained and practised.
How to distinguish certain families especially of the opposite leaf groups (Apocynaceae,
Rubiaceae, Verbenaceae, Rutaceae, Bignoniaceae, Guttiferae, Melastomataceae) was
extensively demonstrated and practised. The key characters for each family were
highlighted.
iii) Preparation and maintenance of herbarium specimens
The procedures involved in the curation of plant specimens were explained and
demonstrated at the Sandakan Herbarium. This included the registration of plant specimens
upon arrival from the field, drying in the oven, treatment with preservative (Mercuric
Chloride), plant identification, label preparation, dispatching, mounting, accession, indexing,
filing and maintenance of herbarium specimens.

4. LEAF SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION TEST

At the end of the course a test was given to the participants. They had to identify 12 leaf
samples (10 dipterocarp, 2 non-dipterocarp). This was to test their ability to absorb and
practise the key and spot characters that had been demonstrated in the field.
80% of the participants were able to identify six or more leaf samples. The best participants
identified eight out of 12 leaf samples. Successful tree identification needs constant
practice. Considering that many of the participants do not have extensive tree identification
experience, the results of the test are satisfactory.

5. EVALUATION & RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Course evaluation and recommendations by the consultants
For many of the participants the major constraint in plant identification is the lack of basic
knowledge of plant morphological characters and plant classification. However, plant

morphological characters are the key to plant identification. Some people may be able to
recognize a tree but do not know how to describe why due to lack of this basic knowledge.
The general lack of knowledge in plant systematics or how plants are classified became
apparent during the course.
For the lecturers and tutors of SITF and the rangers of the timber company to be able to
identify trees in the filed, it is indispensable to master the plant morphological characters
and plant systematics. This cannot be achieved by a four day tree identification course. It
needs a deep interest in plant identification and continuous practice. Without these the
information pertaining to plant characters will be quickly lost.
For this reason we suggest follow-up courses during which the identification of timber trees
is deepened and practised. This would be suitable for lecturers who do not want to be forest
botanists or dendrologists but who need the skill to identify the most important timber trees
in the field. For lecturers interested in ecological studies and plant inventories a course
which would be more intensive and focusing not only on timber species but also on other
species inclusive shrubs could be conducted.

5.2 Course evaluation and recommendations by the participants

At the end of the course, the participants were given the possibility to comment on the
course content. In general, the participants were of the view that the course had been most
useful. Below please find a summary of the comments of the participants regarding the
course content. The organizers and resource persons of the tree identification course will
use these comments to improve future courses.
Comments on the course content:
Eight participants consider the course as very informative and well conducted.
Six participants suggest to repeat the course or to continue with a follow-up course.
Five participants suggest to hand out a course programme before the course starts or at
least at the beginning of the course.
Four participants were missing an introduction/ice-breaking session or an introduction of
the participants from outside of UMS.
Four participants would have liked to spend more time in the field identifying trees.
Two participants suggest to support the class room sessions with specimens (e.g.
leaves) to visualize character differences.
One participant suggests to hand out - at the beginning of the course - a list of scientific
and local names of the trees that will be identified, so that the spelling of the names is
not a problem.
One participant suggests to consider organizing a follow-up course on the identification
of seedlings/potential crop trees (an important skill during rehabilitation and enrichment
work in the field).
One participant assumes that a reduction of the number of participants and the number
of tree species covered would increase the effectiveness of the course.
One participant suggests to add an evening discussion.

John B. Sugau, Forest Botanist,

Forest Research Centre,
Sabah Forestry Department
Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Berhaman Ahmad, Senior Lecturer Forest Botany

School of International Tropcial Forestry
University Malaysia Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

6. APPENDICES
Appendix 1: List of participants
School of International Tropical Forestry
1.
2.
3.
4.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. John Tay, HG 19, Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation)
Mr. Mohd. Abdullah Abdul Ghani, HG 19, Head of Programme
Ms. Hardawati Yahya, HG 19, Tutor
Mr. Musri Ismenyah, HG 19, Tutor

5.
6.
7.

Ms. Rhema D. Maripa, HG 20, Lecturer

Ms. Sandra Foo, HG 20, Lecturer
Ms. Rosmalina Abdul Rashid, HG 20, Tutor

8.
9.

Ms. Mandy Maid, HG 23, Tutor

Mr. Affendy Hasan, HG23, Tutor

10. Ms. Ismawati Palle, HY 11, Tutor

11. Mr. Seliman Rajion, Lab Assistant
12. Mr. Rozaidi Hassan, Lab Assistant
13. Dr. Michael Trockenbrodt, MGFEP, Chief Technical Advisor
Bornion Timber Snd. Bhd.
14. Mr. Philip Ho Hong Chek, Operations Manager
15. Mr. Matius Mangantig, Field Staff
16. Mr. Julianus Gutang, Field Staff

Appendix 2: Programme and time schedule of the consultancy

Day/time
Programme
Day one (21st August 2006):
8.30 10.00 An introduction to tree identification and plant
taxonomy (by Berhaman Ahmad)
Terminology on morphological characters used
for plant identification in the field (by Berhaman
Ahmad)
10.00 10.30 Break
10.30 12.30 Higher plant reproductive morphology (by
Berhaman Ahmad)
Curation of plant specimens (by John B. Sugau)
12.30 14.00 Lunch
14.00 15.00 Plant collection (by John B. Sugau)
15.00 15.30 Break
15.30 16.30 Introduction to the Dipterocarps (by John B.
Sugau)
Day two (22nd August 2006):
8.30 12.00 Identification of major commercial species, the
Dipterocarpaceae in the field (by Leopold
Madani, John B. Sugau and Berhaman A.)
12.0014.00 Lunch
14.0017.00 Plant collection (Berhaman A, John B. Sugau,
staff of herbarium & participants)
Day three (23rd August 2006):
8.30 10.00 Plant collection (John B. Sugau, Berhaman A.,
staff of herbarium & participants)
10.00 12.30 Preparation of herbarium specimen (John B.
Sugau, Berhaman A., staff of herbarium &
participants)
12.3014.00 Lunch
14.0017.00 Preparation of herbarium specimen (John B.
Sugau, Berhaman A., staff of herbarium &
participants)

Appendix 3: Handouts for classroom lectures

TREE ID COURSE GTZSITF

PLANT TAXONOMY
Taxonomy is the naming and classification of species
and groups of species.
Biologists equate taxonomy with systematics, although
the latter have a meaning different from and broader
than taxonomy.
Taxonomy is a synthetic science, drawing upon data
from such diverse fields as morphology, anatomy,
cytology, genetics, cytogenetics, and chemistry.

20th to 24th August, 2006

Forest Research Centre
Sandakan

Taxonomy = a hierarchical system of

classification

Under the binomial system, each species is assigned a two-part

latinized name, a binomial.

The Linnean system, first

formally proposed by
Linneaus in Systema naturae
in the 18th century, has two
main characteristics.
Each species has a twopart name.
Species are organized
hierarchically into broader
and broader groups of
organisms.

The first part, the genus, is the closest group to which a

species belongs.
The second part, the specific epithet, refers to one species
within each genus.
The first letter of the genus is capitalized and both names are
italicized and latinized.
For example, The scientific name of the European white water
lily, Nymphaea alba, consists of two words. One tells its genus,
Nymphaea, which is common to all water lilies, and the other its
specific epithet, alba, which is Latin for white.

A hierachical classification will group species into broader

Each taxonomic level is more comprehensive than the previous one.

As an example, all species of gingers are monocot, but not all monocot
are gingers.

taxonomic categories.

A taxon (pl. taxa) is a taxonomic grouping at any level, such as a

species, a genus, or a phylum.

Species that appear to be closely related are grouped into the same
genus (pl. genera).

Example: the phylum Anthophyta is a taxon that contains two classes,

Dicotyledones and Monocotyledones.
Class Monocotyledones is a taxon that includes many different orders.

One or more related genera are\assigned to the same family, and

families are grouped into orders, orders into classes, classes into
phyla, and phyla into kingdoms.
These grouping can also be separated into subgroupings for
example, subphylum or subclass.

 Each taxonomic
level is broader
(more inclusive) than
the level below.

The Plants kingdom

Kingdom Plantae -- Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta -- Vascular plants

Kingdom Plantae Plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta -- Seed plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta -- Vascular plants

Division Magnoliophyta -- Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida -- Dicotyledons

Superdivision Spermatophyta -- Seed plants

Subclass Asteridae
Division Magnoliophyta -- Flowering plants

Order Rubiales
Family Rubiaceae - Madder family

Class Magnoliopsida -- Dicotyledons

Genus Coff
ea L. -coffee P

Subclass Asteridae
Order Rubiales
Family Rubiaceae -- Madder family (Famili Kopi)
Contains 75 genera and 529 accepted taxa overall

Species Coffea arabica L. -- Arabian

coffee P

Genus Antirhea Comm. ex Juss. -- quina P

Genus Asperula L. -- woodruff P
Genus Bobea Gaud. -- 'ahakea P

Species Coffea benghalensis Heyne ex Schultes -- bengal

coffee P

Genus Bouvardia Salisb. -- bouvardia P

Genus Calycophyllum DC. -- calycophyllum P

Species Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner -- robusta

coffee P

Genus Canthium Lam. -- canthium P

Genus Casasia A. Rich. -- casasia P
Genus Catesbaea L. -- lilythorn P

Species Coffea congensis Froehner -- congo coffee P

Genus Cephalanthus L. -- buttonbush P

Genus Cephaelis Sw. -- cephaelis P
Genus Chiococca P. Br. -- milkberry P

Species Coffea liberica Bull ex Hiern. -- Liberian coffee P

Genus Chione DC. -- chione P

Genus Cinchona L. -- cinchona P
Genus Coccocypselum P. Br. -- coccocypselum P

Species Coffea stenophylla G. Don -- coffea P

Genus Coffea L. -- coffee P

Nomencalture Principals

4. Each taxonomic group with a particular circumscription,position, and rank

can bear only one correct name, the earliest that is in accordance with the

1. Botanical nomenclature is independent from

zoological nomenclature
2. The application of names of taxonomic groups is
determined by means of nomenclatural types

rules, except in specified cases

Pengecualian khas bagi famili, (Exceptions = conserved)
Palmae Araceae
Graminae Poaceae

3. The nomenlature of a taxonomic group is based upon

the priority of publication.
Cannabis sativa L. 1753
C. indica Lam. (Jean Lammarck) 1785
C. ruderalis Janischevsky 1924

Cruciferae Brassicaceae
Leguminosae Fabaceae
Guttiferae Clusiaceae
Umbelliferae Apiaceae
Labiatae Lamiaceae
Compositae Asteraceae

Type specimen for Coffee varieties

5. Scientific names of taxonomic groups are treated as

latin regardless of the derivation
Begonia berhamanii Kiew.
6. all rules are retroactive unless expressly limited

Coffea arabica
var. tetramera

Coffea arabica
var. calycanthema
Coffea arabica
var. anomala

TREE ID COURSE GTZSITF

Vegetative Morphology

Life Span

20th to 24th August, 2006

Forest Research Centre
Sandakan

ANNUAL-completes life cycle in one growing season (one year)

BIENNIAL-completes life cycle in two growing seasons (two years). First
year vegetative; second year flowers & fruits
PERENNIAL-lives for more than two growing seasons (more than two
years); perennials may be woody or herbaceous (the latter with underground
perennating structures)

Type of Leaves

Plant Habit
HERB-no above ground persistent woody tissue but may have underground
perennating structures; may be annual, biennial, or perennial
SUBSHRUB (=suffrutescent)-lower stems woody but upper stems
herbaceous (prefix "sub" means "almost")
SHRUB-a woody low-stature perennial plant with one to many slender trunks
arising from near its base
TREE-a large woody perennial plant with one to several relatively massive

Ada berapa daun yang dapat anda lihat???

trunks and an elevated crown

SUCCULENT-possessing thick, usually soft, watery leaves and/or stems.
Stem succulents & leaf succulents.
VINE-a woody or herbaceous plant with a long, slender, more or less flexible
stem which cannot support itself
LIANA-a woody, climbing vine (characteristic of the tropics)

TERMINOLOGY

INTERNODE-the portion of a stem between two nodes

BUD-the structure giving rise to a leafy stem, a

flower, or both; it may be naked or protected by
bud scales or stipules; it may be lateral or
terminal.

AXIL-the upper angle between a leaf (or any other lateral structure)
and the stem to which it is attached

BUD SCALES-scale-like leaves that protect

the buds

NODE-the position on a stem where a leaf or bud is or was attached

BUD SCALE SCARS-scars remaining when

the bud scales fall off
STIPULES-usually a pair of appendages
located at the base of a leaf but may be fused
into a ring around the stem; variable in size,
shape and texture; serves for protection or to
attract pollinators

AXILLARY BUD-a bud borne in the axil of a leaf (also called a

lateral bud)

10

Leaf parts

Types of stipules

LEAF BLADE-expanded portion of a leaf

PETIOLE-stalk of a leaf
STIPULES-the pair of appendages located at the base of a petiole

STIPULE SCARS-a pair of scars or a single ring-like scar

when stipules fall away
LEAF SCAR-the scar left when a leaf falls from a twig; it
contains one or more vascular bundle scars

NOTE:
The presence of an axillary bud is very important to help identify where the
leaf begins. Look for it above the petiole. Everything above the axillary bud is
all one leaf.

Leaf persistence
EVERGREEN-bearing green foliage all year round. [Common in
tropical species]
DECIDUOUS-the loss of leaves during unfavorable conditions
(such as at the end of each growing season) .
Only occur in some tropical species, w.g member of Burseraceae.

Leaf complexity
SIMPLE LEAF-a leaf with a single blade (it is
not divided into leaflets; there is always a flange
of blade tissue connecting adjacent lobes)

COMPOUND LEAF-a leaf with more than one

blade per petiole (it is made up of two or more
leaflets and these leaflets are wholly separate)
PETIOLULE-the stalk of a leaflet
LEAFLET-one of the segments of a compound
leaf
RACHIS-the axis of a pinnately compound leaf

Twice pinnate: The leaflets are also divided

into leaflets.

Pinnate (even): Leaflets are attached along an

extension of the petiole called a rachis; there is an
even number of leaflets.

Simple: The leaf may be lobed or

divided, but does not form distinct
leaflets.

Compound: The leaf is separated into distinct leaflets,

each with its own small petiole (but without an axillary
bud).
Palmate: Leaflets are attached to the tip of the petiole.

11

 PINNATELY COMPOUND
-a leaf in which there are more than three leaflets arranged in two
rows along a common axis. The leaflets are attached like the
vanes of a feather.
PINNA (pl. PINNAE)
-the primary division (or leaflet) of a pinnately compound leaf
BIPINNATELY COMPOUND
-leaf divided twice.
TRIPINNATELY COMPOUND
-leaf divided three times; a pinnule is the ultimate division of a 2or 3-times compound leaf

PALMATELY COMPOUND-where the

leaflets arise from a common point of
attachment; there is no rachis
TRIFOLIOLATE-a compound leaf with
three leaflets

TRIFOLIATE-three separate leaves

arising from the same node

Leaf arrangement

Leaf attachment
PETIOLATE-having a petiole

BASAL-leaves attached to
rhizome or other underground stem

SESSILE-lacking a petiole (or leaf stalk)

CAULINE-leaves attached to
above-ground stem

SUBSESSILE-a very short petiole

ALTERNATE-one leaf per node

SHEATHING-leaf base enwraps stem

OPPOSITE-two leaves per node

WHORLED-three or more leaves

12

Leaf venation

Opposite: A pair of leaves

is attached at a node.

PINNATE-consisting of a central
mid-vein with many secondary
veins emerging on both sides to
form a feather-like pattern

Alternate: A single leaf is attached at a

node.

PALMATE-all primary veins

arise at the same point at the
base of the leaf
PARALLEL-veins lie more or
less parallel to the leaf margins

Whorled: Three or more leaves are attached at a node.

Leaf blade shape

Leaf Shape

LINEAR-long and narrow with the sides parallel (>4:1)

OBLONG-nearly rectangular with the sides parallel (2-4:1)
LANCEOLATE-spearshaped; widening above base and then
long tapering to apex (3-4:1)
OVATE-eggshaped; broad nearest base (<3:1)
Heart-shaped

OBOVATE-ovate, but with narrower end towards point of

attachment

Divided

Narrow

HINT: The prefix "ob" means opposite, so "obovate" is the

opposite of "ovate."
ELLIPTIC-ellipse shaped; widest near middle and tapering at
both ends
Lobed

ORBICULAR-circle shaped

RENIFORM-kidney shaped

13

Oval

Leaf bases
Leaf apices
ACUTE-sharp, <90 degrees
ACUTE-sharp, ending in a point with
straight sides to the apex (<90
degrees)

ACUMINATE-sharp, long-tapering point

OBTUSE-blunt, >90 degrees

ACUMINATE-sharp, ending in a longtapering point with concave sides

CORDATE-heart shaped (equal rounded lobes at the base)

OBTUSE-blunt, rounded (>90

degrees)

OBLIQUE-unequal sized lobes at base

MUCRONATE-a small, abrupt point

PELTATE-umbrella like; the petiole is attached to the blade

inside of the margin; often orbicular in shape

PELTATE-umbrella like; the petiole is attached to the blade

inside of the margin; often orbicular in shape

Leaf margins
ENTIRE-a margin without
any toothing or division
(smooth)
CRENATE-scalloped or
round-toothed
SERRATE-a saw-toothed
margin with sharp teeth
pointing towards the apex
DENTATE-sharp teeth
projecting at right angles
from the margin

PINNATELY LOBED-lobed towards the midrib but not reaching it

PALMATELY LOBED-lobes all arising from one point at the base of
the leaf

Entire
Toothed

14

Special features
TENDRIL-an elongated,
twining segment of a leaf, stem,
or inflorescence by which a plant
clings to its support

Surface features
GLABROUS-lacking hairs (trichomes); a smooth surface
PUBESCENT-covered with hairs (also called trichomes)
STELLATE-hairs that branch at or near their base (star-shaped
from above)
GLANDULAR-hairs that bear glands (that break down into sticky
beads of fluid); they may be stalked (stipitate) or sessile

THORN-a woody, sharp-pointed,

modified stem (has stem-like
vasculature)
SPINE-a sharp-pointed modified
leaf or leaf part

STIPULAR SPINE- borne in pairs and lateral to leaf (or

leaf scar)
PRICKLE-a sharp pointed outgrowth from the epidermis

15

TREE ID COURSE GTZSITF

Terminology - Flower

20th to 24th August, 2006

Forest Research Centre
Sandakan

Peduncle: The stalk of a flower/ Pedicel flower stalk of an individual

Flowers

flower in an inflorescence.
Receptacle: The part of a flower stalk where the parts of the flower are

Complete flower containing sepals, petals, stamens and pistil.

attached. base of the flower

Incomplete flower lacking sepals, petals, stamens and/or pistils.

Sepal: The outer parts of the flower (often green and leaf-like) that enclose

Perfect flowers containing male and female parts.

a developing bud. protective leaf-like enclosure for the flower bud, usually
green, collectively called calyx.

Imperfect flowers that lack either male or female parts.

Petal: The parts of a flower that are often conspicuously colored.

Pistillate flowers containing only female parts.

Stamen: The pollen producing part of a flower, usually with a slender

Staminate flowers containing only male parts.

filament supporting the anther. Male flower organ.

Anthers pollen producing organ.
Filament stalk supporting anthers

Individual reproductive unit (a flower in angiosperms)

Pistil: The ovule producing part of a flower. The ovary often

Bisexual - Reproductive structure with both male and female equivalent parts

supports a long style, topped by a stigma. The mature ovary is a

(stamens and pistil in angiosperms; also called a perfect flower); another term

fruit, and the mature ovule is a seed.

widely used is hermaprodite.

Stigma: The part of the pistil where pollen germinates. receives

Unisexual - Reproductive structure that is either functionally male or

pollen, typically flattened and sticky.

functionally female. In angiosperms this condition is also called imperfect.

Style connective tissues between stigma and ovary.

Monoecious - having unisexual reproductive units (flowers, conifer cones, or

Ovary: The enlarged basal portion of the pistil where ovules are

functionally equivalent structures) of both sexes appearing on the same plant;

produced. contains ovules or embryo sacs.

from Greek for "one household".

Ovules Unfertilized, immature seed.

functionally equivalent structures) occurring on different individuals; from Greek

Dioecious - having unisexual reproductive units (flowers, conifer cones, or

for "two households". Individual plants are not dioecious, they are either
gynoecious or androecious. Gynoecious - has only female reproductive
structures; the "female" plant.
Androecious - has only male reproductive structures; the "male" plant.

16

shoot with flowers

from male plant.
male flower enlarged,
showing stamens with
pollen and reduced,
sterile stigma.

1. Staminate and carpellate flowers occur on the same individual plant, the
species is referred to as being monoecious.
2. If staminate and carpellate flowers occur on different plants, the species is
referred to as being dioecious.

shoot with flowers from

female plant;
female flower enlarged,
showing stigma and reduced,
sterile stamens with no pollen

3. If both bisexual (perfect) and unisexual (imperfect) flowers occur on the same
plant, the species is referred to as being polygamous.

Ilex aquifolium is dioecious

Inflorescence (flower arrangement)

Raceme flowers attached to a main stem (peduncle) by stemlets

Catkin (ament) a spike with only pistillate or staminate flowers

(pedicel) (snapdragon, bleeding heart, Canterbury bells).

(alder, poplar, walnut and willows).

Single (or solitary) one flower per stem (tulip, crocus).

Composite a complex flower, composed of ray flowers (usually

Spadix showy part is a bract or spathe, partially surrounding the

sterile with an attractive, colored petal) and disc flowers in center that

fertile flower (calla, caladium).

develop into seed (sunflower and aster).

Spike flowers attached to main stem, without stemlets, bottom

Corymb stemlets (pedicels) arrangement along main stem, gives

florets open first (gladiolus, ajuga and gayfeather).

florets display with a flat rounded top. Outer florets open first (yarrow,

Umbel florets with stalks attached to main stem from one point,

crabapple).

forming a flat or rounded top. Outer flowers open first (dill, onion).

Cyme a determinate, flat or convex flower, with inner floret opening

Symmetrical symmetrical flowers (lily).

first.

Asymmetrical asymmetrical flower (snapdragon).

Panicle an indeterminate flower with repeated branching, can be

made up of racemes, spikes, corymbs, or umbels.

Types of flower arrangements.

17

18

Contents

Introduction To
The
Dipterocarp

Introduction
Key and general distinguishing characters of
the genera

John B. Sugau
Sandakan Herbarium
Forest Research Centre
Sabah Forestry Department
Sandakan

Resin
introduction
Dipterocarpaceae Blume 1825 (Bijdr. Fl.
Ned. Ind.)
Damar family
Diagnostic characters: resin (damar), winged
fruit, tertiary venation (scalariform),
geniculate petiole

Winged Fruit

Geniculate Petiole

19

Scalariform Tertiary Venation

introduction
3 subfamilies:
Subfamily

Distribution

Dipterocarpoideae

Tropical Asia and Malesia

Monotoideae

Tropical Africa and Madagascar

Pakaraimoideae

Tropical America

Malesian region
introduction
Dipterocarpoideae
- 13 genera with 475 species
Anisoptera Korth.
Cotylelobium Pierre
Dipterocarpus C.F.Gaertn.
Dryobalanops C.F.Gaertn.
Hopea Roxb.
Neobalanocarpus P.S.Ashton
Parashorea Kurz

Anisoptera
Pengiran

-Fruit calyx 2 long narrowly

spatulate untwisted 3-veined
lobes and 3 short lobes

Key and general distinguishing

characters of the genera

-Fruit calyx united into

tube enclosing at least
the basal half of the nut
-Distinctly looped intramarginal vein
-Tertiary venation laxly
scalariform or reticulate

20

Shorea Roxb. Ex. C.F.Gaertn.

Stemonoporus Thwaites
Upuna Symington
Vateria L.
Vateriopsis F.Heim
Vatica L.

Cotylelobium

Dipterocarpus

Resak

Keruing

-Distinctly looped intramarginal

-Twigs with amplexicaul stipule

scar (annular stipule scar)

-Fruit sepals free to the base, or

united into a shallow cup enclosing
less than 1/3 of the nut

-Leaves aestivation plicate

-Many shorter intermediates veins,

running towards the margins

-Calyx lobes with 2 longer, and

3 short.

-petiole not geniculate

-Bark dotted with prominent pale

warty lenticels

vein

-Nut free within calyx tube

Dryobalanops

Hopea

Kapur

Selangan

-Lateral veins very many,

-Fruit calyx lobes with 2 spatulate

and enlarged

very slender and parallel

-Parts smelling more or less
intensely aromatic of camphor

-Leaf venation either with hopea-type

or dryobalanoid

-Fruit calyx lobes 5 equal to

subequal

-Petiole rarely geniculate

-Sometimes with stilt roots

Parashorea

Shorea

Urat Mata/Seraya putih

Seraya

-Leaves drying mauve-grey, undersurface greyish to silvery

-Tertiary venation generally

scalariform

-Fruit calyx lobes 3 longer and

broder than the other 2

-Fruit calyx lobes subequal,

spoon-shaped and distinctly
imbricate base or unequal
with 3 longer and broader

-Leaves with plicate fold

-4 groups: red; yellow; and

white seraya (melapi); selangan
batu

-Sapwood pale whitish to yellowish

21

Subdivison of Shorea
Red Seraya

Yellow Seraya

Melapi
white seraya

Selangan Batu

-4 celled anthers
-Sapwood reddish
-Inner bark not
laminated/some
laminated
(kawang)
-Yellowish to
reddish inner
bark
-Wood moderate
to very hard
-Damar light to
dark brown

-2 celled anthers
-Sapwood yellow
-Inner bark not
laminated

-4 celled anthers
-Sapwood white
-Inner bark
distinctly
laminated

-4 celled anthers
-Sapwood yellowish
-Inner bark not
laminated

-Greenish yellow
inner bark

-Pale yellowish
inner bark

-Wood moderate
hard
-Blackish damar

-Wood moderate
hard
-Damar light
brown

-Pale yellowish
brown to reddish
brown inner bark
-Wood very hard

Upuna
Upun

-Nut triangular in cross-section

-Leaf base cordate
-Young parts caducous multicellular
glandular tomentose
-Leaf undersurface white-tomentose
-Fruit calyx remaining sparsely hairy;
lobes chartaceous/papery; 2 larger
-SW Sabah

-Damar light brown

Vatica
Resak

-Bark smooth and hoop-marked

-Petiole not geniculate
-Fruit calyx and nut variable

Thank
You

22

Plant collection

introduction

Good collection is an essential aspect of herbarium

practices.
Give the investigator the best possible information.
Collection should preferably contain all parts of the
plant.
Well annotated.

John B. Sugau
Sandakan Herbarium
Forest Research Centre
Sabah Forestry Department
Sandakan

cont

How to collect

What to collect

Secatures/pocket knife-larger terrestrial herbs,

shrubs, creepers and small climber.

Do not collect sterile material

A pick/parang to dig firmly rooting or tuber bearing

plants.

Collection should contain all parts of the plant:

flowers, fruits, leaves, wood, etc.

A prunner for the lower tree.

A branch with leaves and flowers or fruits.

Tall tree: tree climber, slingshot, shotgun and

crossbows

Dioecious plant: collect both male and female plants.

Leaf dimorphism: collect juvenile and adult

Chop down the tree.

Parasitic plant, collect the host

Small plants should be collected as a whole

Liana, describe their means of climbing: hooks,

tendrils, etc.

..cont

Climber

What to collect

Parts too large for mounting can be reduced.

Fruit should be cut lengthwise and across.
Delicate parts (eg. flower) should be preserved in
alcohol 70% or FAA.
Certain groups of plants require special collecting
techniques, eg. Araceae etc.
Collect more than one set.
Collect wood samples, if possible.
Collect living plants must not be missed.

23

Tree/shrub

Tree/shrub (compound leaf)

Aroid(Araceae)

Fern

Rattan

Ginger

24

Herb

Orchid

cont

Making notes

Making notes

Write notes at the collecting site.

-Colour

Give a number to the collection.

-Ecological and biological observation

Take down all particulars that disappear or are

invisible in the herbarium specimen.

-Local names
-Local use

Notes should include:

-Location

Some collectors prefer preprinted labels/field notes.

-Habitat
-Habit
-Exudate

Preprinted field note

Preservation in the field

Procedures for preservation followed depend on

various factors: time, money, assistance available, etc.
Two methods:
-Drying in the field.
-The wet method.

25

Wet

method
Checklist of collecting equipment

Spotting, measuring and recording:

-binoculars, notebook, measuring tape, soft black
pencils, tag/labels, etc.
Sampling:
-Secateurs/clipers, pruner, catapuly + accessories,
parang/machete, pocket knife.
Preserving and storing:
-Newspaper, corrugates, rope + straps, polythene
bags/tubing, plastic vials/bottle, methylated spirit

Thank You
Macrosolen cochinchinensis
(Loranthaceae)

26

Contents

Curation

Materials

of Plant Specimen

Preparation and Mounting herbarium specimens

Identification and label production
Accessioning, recording and dispatch procedures
Conservation of sheets/maintenance
John B. Sugau
Sandakan Herbarium
Forest Research Centre
Sabah Forestry Department
Sandakan

Preparation and mounting

herbarium specimens

materials

Preparation: pressing, (treatment) and

drying
Laying-out (or arrangement),
mounting and sewing

Materials for use in herbarium must be

carefully chosen: economic vs archival quality
Premounting: Newspapers, string, etc.
Mounting: Mounting paper, paper capsules,
adhesives for mounting, tapes and thread,
label, etc.
Filing: Types cover, species and genus covers,
etc.

Pressing specimens between newspaper

Pressed specimens

27

Drying plant specimens in the oven

Position of pressed specimens in oven

Plant specimen identification

Identification and
label production
Identification
Label production
-Archival consideration
-Printing labels

Herbarium specimen label

Treatment with Mercuric Chloride

28

Dispatching

Mounting

Sewing

Herbarium specimen

Recording

Accessioning, recording and

Dispatch procedures
Record keeping and retrieval system
Accessioning, recording and dispatching
specimens
Correspondence
Packing and associated paperwork

29

Accessioning

Indexing

..cont

Arrangement of herbarium
collections
Alphabetical arrangement:
-Easy for the non-specialist to find taxa

Systematic arrangement:
-Similar families are placed close to one another

-Specimen can be added to the herbarium by

unskilled personnel
-Related taxa are placed far apart

-Identification by matching is easier

-Can be difficult for the non-specialist to find
families
-Incorporation of material may require some
specialist knowledge

Filing of herbarium specimens

Conservaton of sheets
Cleaning specimens
Repairing specimens

30