An Interactive Key to the Genus Galanthus L.

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An Interactive Key to the GenusGalanthus L.
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• Genus containing 19 species, 22 principle taxa
• Numerous Additional Hybrids and Cultivars
• Listed under Appendix II of CITES
• Requirement for Identification Tools for use at
  Point of Entry
• Developed assuming limited Background Knowledge
  and Technical Capabilities of User

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Key Identification Elements
1) Leaf Vernation

• Three Distinct Forms
• Maintained Throughout Growth
• Little Variation within Species

(Davis, 1999)
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Key Identification Elements
2) Inner Perianth Segments

• Segment Marking
• Number
• Size
• Shape
• Position

• Segment Margin
• Presence /Absence of an Apical Notch

(Davis, 1999)
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Key Identification Elements
3) Leaf Surface Colour

• High Levels of Variation
• Principle Range of Dark Green to Glaucous
• Variation between Adaxial and Abaxial Surface in
  some species

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Demonstration
An Unknown Specimen
Bulb dimensions 2.2 by 2.1cm Sheath dimensions
3.4 by 0.5cm Leaves Supervolute
Vernation Dimensions at Flowering 11 by
1.4cm Surfaces Concolorous Medium Green in
Colour Smooth Surface, with a Matt
Finish Inflorescence Outer perianth Segment
dimensions 2.1 by 1.4cm Inner Perianth Segments
with both Apical and Basal Markings Inner
Perianth Segments with an Apical Notch
(Emarginate) Anthers with an Apiculum
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Leaf Air Spaces

• G. woronowii, G. ikariae and G. platyphyllus all
  show supervolute vernation, broad green leaves
  and a single apical inner perianth marking
• Clear differences evident in Leaf Air Spaces,
  although limited data set available
• The Air Spaces of G. ikariae are big enough
  that a dressmakers pin may be pushed inside
  without rupturing the delicate tissue of the
  leaf (Bishop et al., 2001)

G. ikariae subsp. ikariae
G. woronowii
(Davis Barnett, 1996)
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• Leaf Air Space data is not available for all
  species
• All entities besides G. ikariae, G. krasnovii,
  G. platyphyllus and G. woronowii scored as Not
  Scoped for the Leaf Air Space feature
• Feature remains hidden until only these species
  remain and the application of this characteristic
  is required
• Notes included in species description to aid
  determination

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Species Descriptions
G. ikariae
G. elwesii
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Glossary
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References

• Bishop, M., Davis A., Grimshaw, J. (2001)
  Snowdrops A Monograph of Cultivated Galanthus
  The Griffin Press
• Davis, A.P. (1999) The Genus Galanthus Timber
  Press, Inc.
• Davis, A.P. Barnett, J.R. (1997) The Leaf
  Anatomy of the genus Galanthus L. (Amaryllidaceae
  J. St.-Hil. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 123 333-352

Acknowledgments
Many thanks to P. Wilkin and A. Haigh for their
Invaluable Assistance