Clave de identificación de árboles del jardín botánico de Mérida (Venezuela) por medio de caracteres vegetativos

Abstract

For this work, tree species present in the Botanical Garden of Merida were collected, described and determined. 137 tree species were registered, belonging to 108 genera from 47 families. The best represented families were Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae, whereas the most diverse genera were Ficus, Albizia, Annona, Citrus, Cordia, Erythrina and Miconia The thematic gardens of cloud forest and tropical dry forest showed the highest number of tree species. We created a paired identification key using vegetative characters of the species found in the area. The most relevant characters for species differentiation were: type, shape and margin of the leaf, presence of secretions, phyllotaxis, pubescence, presence of stipules, venation pattern, translucent dots, stinging structures, glands and pulvinules. Moreover, quantitative characters such as number of pinna, leaflets and pinnules, along with the length of petioles and leaf blade were considered. The creation of identification keys independent of reproductive characters proved to be a viable option for the taxonomic determination in field in this area for the evaluated species.