FreshwaterLife Identification Guides

A guide to identifying British river plants - early draft

by Dr Nigel Holmes & FreshwaterLife

This key has been developed as a trial to aid identification of river macrophytes and contains virtually every one of the MTR (Mean Trophic Rank) higher plants, and many look-alikes. This protype has been produced with a minimum level of detail and photo clarity to enable potential users to feed-back comments on how effective the key might be for their use. If users would like to comment please pass them to spawley@fba.org.uk.

Compound leaf group

Leaves divided into discrete segments - may be from 3 - >100 segments.
Paired leaved group

Leaves which are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem.
Whorled leaves group

Three or more leaves attached on the stem at the same level.
Floating leaved group

Leaves that normally lie flat on the water surface or just below it. (they may be rooted to the bottom or may be free-floating).
Basal leaves group

Plants with leaves arising exclusively, or almost entirely, from the base of the plant, not on obvious stems.
Fine leaved group

Leaves with dissected or unbranched fine leaves >15 times longer than broad
Alternate leaves

Leaves arranged on alternating sides of the stem (not opposite or in whorles).