Multi-access key to the Fabaceae of Victoria (excluding Acacia)

Introduction

The multi-access key to the Fabaceae of Victoria is a key to the 309 Fabaceae taxa other than Acacia that are known to occur in Victoria, both native and introduced. A separate multi-access key is provided for Acacia. It is a modified version of ‘The Pea Key’ produced by the Australian Pea-flowered Legume Research Group that is applicable only to species present in Victoria. It contains 50 characters to help distinguish taxa from each other with, including place of occurrence, plant size, and several morphological features both vegetative and reproductive. It differs from the dichotomous keys provided in VicFlora by giving the user the flexibility to choose from one of the 50 characters provided rather than the user having to commit to investigate the particular features being questioned in the dichotomous keys. This has the benefit of:

1. avoiding having to answer questions relating to a feature that may not be present in the sample when being identified,

2. potentially being able to identify a taxon without needing to comprehend the most technical terminology and

3. allowing the rapid identification of taxa with distinct features rarely encountered in the family

To use the key the user selects a feature from the features in the top left Features Available panel and clicks on the state present in their specimen to be identified. Once selected this feature and state will show as being selected in the Features Chosen panel directly below the Features Available panel. To undo a selection, click on the box next to the state chosen in the Features Chosen panel to erase the tick in the box. Once a feature state is chosen all the taxa that do not possess the chosen feature state are discarded in the bottom right Entities Discarded panel and those that do possess the chosen feature state are retained in the top right Entities Remaining panel. The user continues to choose further character states present in their specimen until identification is achieved. To restart the key when finished select the restart key icon represented by the two green arrows in the top left corner of the screen.

Go to Key Player

General helpful hints

For the most effective use of this key the user is encouraged to read the help guides for each character and state before submitting an answer for that character and state. Help guides and photographs can be found by clicking on the page icons beside characters and states. This help will reduce the chance of misinterpretation of the character and state. Some information and definitions required for interpreting a state may be given under character so users are encouraged to read the help guide for the characters before the states. When taking measurements or assessing which state a character exists in for the taxon being identified a typical plant and plant part should be used. Typical is here interpreted as a close representation of the average plant in terms of size and stature in a population and a plant part that represents the average condition for that character (e.g. average length, the most frequently observed shape etc.). The characters provided concern the adult plant and consequently when using these characters the plant chosen should be reproductively mature. For some of the characters it is possible for some taxa to possess more than one character state for the character. In such cases either correct character state can be chosen. When taking measurements be precise e.g. if a leaf is 5.9 mm long enter 5.9 mm long rather than rounding up to 6 mm and entering that.

To help identify the specimen to be identified as quickly as possible the best option can be used. This option highlights which characters should be used first to discard the maximum number of taxa among the remaining taxa. To use the best option select the best icon given as a blue wand at the top of the screen. For some similar taxa such as closely related species or subspecies within a species it may become time consuming to keep using the key until one taxon remains. In such instances the user can use the dichotomous key and profiles to help distinguish between the remaining similar species.

Plant

A set of three characters that refer to the overall size, appearance and growth form of the plant.

Plant habit

This character refers to the growth form of the plant.

• Tree

  In this state the plant has a single trunk over a metre tall.

• Erect to ascending shrub

In this state the plant branches close to the ground, can be up to a few metres tall and its growth is directed away from the ground.

• Prostrate or decumbent shrub

In this state the plant branches close to the ground and all growth remains close (under a metre) from the ground. Plants with this growth habit typically form mats or groundcovers.

• Climbing, twining or straggling

  In this state the plant is supported by other structures or plants which enables it climb in some cases several metres from the ground. Without support a plant in this state would be restricted to growing along the ground.

• Rosette-forming or herbaceous (non-climbing)

  In this state the plant lacks woody tissue and is small (less than one metre) in overall size. Leaves can form in a cluster that sits on top of the soil surface or they can form along a non woody main stem.

Mature plant height

This is the overall height of the mature plant in metres from the soil surface its tallest vegetation.

Spines

This character refers to whether there are structures present that are stiff and would cause discomfort if pressed with a finger.

• Spinescent branchlet apices

  In this state the ends of branches, which can bear leaves, are stiff and distinctly pointed.

• Prickles on stem

  In this state there are pointed outgrowths from stems or branches.

• Pungent leaves

  In this state the leaf tip is sharp and stiff or the leaf has marginal teeth that are sharp and stiff.

• Stipules modified into spines

  In this state two appendages at the base of the leaves are stiff and pointed.

• Absent

  In this state the plant has no structures that are stiff and pointed that could cause discomfort if pressed.

Branchlet cross-section (young branchlets)

This character refers to the shape left in the small axes that may bear new leaves (branchlets) when looking down on a horizontal cut through the branchlets.

• Rounded

  In this state a circular shape is left in the branchlet when looking down on a horizontal cut through the branchlet.

• Compressed

  In this state the branchlets are distinctly flattened so that they are wider along one plane that the other.

• Angular

  In this state the branches have distinct edges with more or less flattened faces between these edges.

Branchlet hairiness (young branchlets)

This character refers to whether the young axes (branchlets) that may bear leaves have hairs or not.

• Branchlet glabrous

  In this state the young axes (branchlets) are devoid of hairs.

• Branchlet hairy

In this state the young axes (branchlets) have hairs. If branchlets are sparsely hairy or have an occasional small hair choose this state.

Leaves

A set of 19 characters referring to the main green photosynthetic organ of a plant.

Leaf presence

This character refers to whether the main green photosynthetic organ (leaf) remains in a fully functional and non-modified state or has become modified in some way or lost.

• Leaves present and not modified

  In this state the leaf remains in a fully functional and in a non-modified state. In this state the leaf can be simple to compoundly divided.

• Leaves present, but modified to phyllodes

  In this state part of the leaf has become lost and it is the petiole (leaf stalk) that becomes flattened and assumes the photosynthetic role. Species that produce phyllodes often also produce non-modified leaves of a different appearance to the phyllode when young. There are transitional phases where a plant will produce both its juvenile foliage of non-modified leaves and mature phyllodes. In such situation will it become evident whether the photosynthetic organ is a non-modified leaf or phyllode.

• Leaves present, but modified to spines

  In this state the leaf is cylindric and stiff with a pointed tip.

• Leaves mostly absent or reduced to scales

  In this state photosynthesis is mainly done by the stems which forms the greenery of the plant. The leaves have been lost or are reduced and non-functional.

Leaf arrangement

This character refers to how the leaves are arranged along the stem relative to other leaves.

• Alternate

  In this state leaves are borne singly at different levels along a stem.

• Opposite

  In this state two leaves are borne at the same level on the stem but on opposite sides of the stem.

• Whorled

  In this state several leaves are clustered close together on a stem and encircle the stem.

Leaf type

This character refers to the degree of division of the leaves or phyllodes. In this state it is important to be able to discern between leaves and leaflets. A leaf or phyllode has a bud (axillary bud) at its base whereas a leaflet does not. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Simple or with one leaflet

  In this state the leaf or phyllode margin is not incised to create separate leaflets.

• Two leaflets

  In this state the leaf comprises two segments or leaflets that do not have buds at their bases.

• Palmate, with 3 leaflets

  In this state the leaf comprises three segments or leaflets that do not have buds at their bases. These leaflets are attached to a common point and radiate out from this point giving the leaf a hand-like appearance.

• Palmate, with more than 3 leaflets

  In this state the leaf comprises more than three segments or leaflets that do not have buds at their bases. These leaflets are attached to a common point and radiate out from this point giving the leaf a hand-like appearance.

• Pinnate, with 3 leaflets

  In this state the leaf comprises three segments or leaflets that do not have buds at their bases. These leaflets are spread along a central leaf axis (rachis).

• Pinnate, with more than 3 leaflets

  In this state the leaf comprises more than three segments or leaflets that do not have buds at their bases. These leaflets are spread along a central leaf axis (rachis).

• Bipinnate

  In this state the leaf is highly divided such that leaflets without buds at their bases are attached to a leaf axis (rachilla) that branches off of another leaf axis (rachis).

Leaf tendrils

This character refers to whether the leaf ends in a thread-like appendage that twines around structures to aid climbing.

• Leaf tendrils present

  In this state the leaf ends in a thread-like appendage that twines around structures to aid climbing.

• Leaf tendrils absent

  In this state the leaf does not end in a thread-like appendage that twines around structures to aid climbing.

Leaf or leaflet shape

This character refers to the shape of the leaf-like organ. This will be the leaf for species with simple and undivided leaves, the phyllode for phyllodinous species or a leaflet in species where the leaves are divided. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Ovate or lanceolate

  This shape is widest near the base and egg to lance shaped.

• Triangular

  This shape is widest at the base and prominently three-angled with more or less straight edges between the points like a triangle.

• Trullate

  This shape resembles a brick-layers trowel or a kite with its widest point near the base.

• Elliptic

  This shape is an ellipse or oval.

• Orbicular

  This shape is more or less circular.

• Linear

  This shape is much longer than wide with sides that are more or less parallel for most of their length.

• Filiform

  This shape is thread-like.

• Subulate

  This shape is an elongated triangle that is much longer than wide.

• Oblong

  This shape has a similar width to length or is up to a few times longer than wide and the sides are more or less parallel for most of their length.

• Rhomboid

  This shape is distinctly four sided with opposite sides parallel and the widest point not near the base.

• Obtriangular

  This shape is widest near the tip and prominently three-angled with more or less straight edges between the points like a triangle.

• Obtrullate

  This shape resembles a kite.

• Obovate, oblanceolate or clavate

  This shape resembles a club or an egg or a lance with its widest point near the apex.

• Spathulate

  This shape resembles a spoon.

Leaf or leaflet lamina transverse section

This character refers to the appearance of the leaf or leaf-like structure when looking at the shape left by a cut through the leaf at its widest point (cross-section). This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Rolled or circular

  In this state the leaf is cylindric so that a circular shape is left in the leaf by a cross-section through the leaf. Alternatively the margins of the leaf curl so that a cylinder with an internal cavity is formed.

• Three-sided

  In this state a triangular shape is left by a cross-section through the leaf which is distinctly angled.

• Flat (horizontally compressed)

  In this state the leaf is distinctly flattened with the flat surfaces generally facing upwards and downwards.

• Flat (vertically compressed)

  In this state the leaf is distinctly flattened with the flat surfaces generally facing to the sides of the plant.

• V-shaped or longitudinally folded

  In this state the leaf is folded lengthwise making the cross-section appear like a “v”.

• Broadly u-shaped

  In this state the leaf gently curves upwards or downwards making the cross-section appear like a “u”.

• Spirally twisted

  In this state the leaf is twisted lengthwise like a drill piece.

Leaf or leaflet margin

This character refers to whether the leaf or leaflet edges (margins) has any teeth or lobes or not. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Entire

  In this state the leaf or leaflet margins are completely intact without any incisions or teeth.

• Toothed or lobed

  In this state the leaf or leaflet margins have some interruptions in the form of teeth or lobes.

Leaf or leaflet margin deflection

This character refers to whether the edges (margins) of leaves or leaflets lie in the same plane as the rest of the leaf or whether they curl in to varying degrees on the leaf either from above or below.

• Flat

  In this state the margins of leaves or leaflets lie in the same plane as the rest of the leaf.

• Recurved

  In this state the margins of the leaves or leaflets curl back towards the lower face of the leaf.

• Revolute

In this state the margins of the leaves or leaflets tightly curl back towards the lower face of the leaf. In some cases the rolled upper surface can obscure all of the lower face of the leaf except for the lower midrib.

• Incurved

In this state the margins of the leaves or leaflets curl back towards the upper face of the leaf.

• Involute

In this state the margins of the leaves or leaflets tightly curl back towards the upper face of the leaf.

Leaf or leaflet apex shape

This character refers to the form of the tip of the leaf or leaflet furthest away from its attachment. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Apex acute, acuminate or acicular

  In this state the tip of the leaf or leaflet comes to a fine point that forms an interior angle less than 90 degrees.

• Apex obtuse or rounded

  In this state the tip of the leaf or leaflet is round or comes to a point that forms an interior angle greater than 90 degrees.

• Apex bilobed, emarginate or retuse

  In this state there are two points and a cleft between these points at the end of the leaf or leaflet opposite to its attachment.

• Apex truncate

In this state the end of the leaf or leaflet opposite to its attachment is abruptly formed with a somewhat straight edge that forms at 90 degrees to its midvein.

Leaf or leaflet blade base

This character refers to the shape of the base of the leaf or leaflet near the stalk attachment. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Base cordate

  In this state the leaf or leaflet stalk attaches to the blade in a cleft between two lobes that continue down below the stalk attachment point.

• Base attenuate to cuneate

  In this state the base of the leaf or leaflet is v-shaped with the leaf or leaflet stalk attaching to the point of the ‘v’.

• Base obtuse or rounded

  In this state the base of the leaf is broadly wedge-shaped (the wedge point forming an interior angle greater than 90 degrees) or the edge curves towards the stalk attachment point.

• Base truncate

  In this state the base of the leaf or leaflet is abruptly formed by a straight edge that forms at 90 degrees to its midvein and leaf stalk (petiole).

Leaf or leaflet surface hairiness (upper)

This character refers to whether there are hairs on the face of the leaf or leaflet facing upwards. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Upper leaf surface glabrous

  In this state the face of the leaf or leaflet facing upwards is completely devoid of hairs.

• Upper leaf surface hairy

  In this state the face of the leaf or leaflet facing upwards has hairs. If the upper face is sparsely hairy or has the occasional small hair select this state.

Leaf or leaflet surface hairiness (lower)

This character refers to whether there are hairs on the face of the leaf or leaflet facing downwards. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that have been reduced to scales.

• Lower leaf surface glabrous

  In this state the face of the leaf or leaflet facing downwards is completely devoid of hairs.

• Lower leaf surface hairy

  In this state the face of the leaf or leaflet facing downwards has hairs. If the lower face is sparsely hairy or has the occasional small hair select this state.

Leaf lamina length mm long

This is the length in mm of the flat expanded part of a leaf or phyllode from its attachment to the stalk to the tip at the opposite end of the leaf or phyllode. For cordate leaves measure from the base of the basal lobes. This character does not apply to species without leaves or leaves that a compound (e.g. pinnate or bipinnate). For these species with compound leaves use leaflet length.

Leaf or leaflet venation

This character refers to which veins are visible in a leaf, phyllode or leaflet.

• Midrib and reticulum visible

  In this state an intricate network of veins in addition to the vein that runs from the stalk towards the tip along the center of the leaf or leaflet (midrib) are clearly visible.

• Pinnate

  In this state the vein that runs from the stalk towards the tip along the center of the leaf or leaflet (midrib) and some veins laterally branching from the midvein are clearly visible.

• Sub-parallel

  In this state multiple veins that run more or less parallel to each other from the stalk toward the tip are clearly visible.

• Palmate

  In this state multiple clearly visible veins radiate out from the stalk like fingers on a hand.

• Midrib prominent only

  In this state only the vein that runs from the stalk towards the tip along the center of the leaf or leaflet (midrib) is clearly visible.

• Venation not or scarcely visible

  In this state there are no clearly visible veins.

Leaflet length (longest leaflet) mm long

This is the length in mm of the flat expanded part of a leaflet from its attachment to the stalk to the tip at the opposite end of the leaflet. This character does not apply to species without leaves or simple leaves. For species with simple leaves use leaf length.

Leaflets stipellate

This character refers to whether there are small appendages at the bases of leaflets in compound leaves. This character does not apply to species with simple leaves or without leaves.

• Stipellae present

  In this state there are small appendages at the bases of leaflets.

• Stipellae absent

  In this state there are no small appendages at the bases of leaflets.

Petiole presence

This character refers to whether there is a stalk that attaches the main photosynthetic part of the leaf or leaflet (blade or lamina) to a stem or branchlet.

• Petiole present

  In this state the leaf or leaflet is attached to a stem or branchlet by a stalk.

• Petiole absent

  In this state the main photosynthetic part of the leaf or leaflet (blade or lamina) is directly attached to a stem or branchlet.

Stipule presence

This character refers to the presence and persistence of two appendages at the base of a leaf on either side of a dormant (axillary) bud.

• Present beyond leaf expansion

  In this state there are two appendages (stipules) at the base of a leaf on either side of a dormant (axillary) bud that persist throughout the lifespan of a leaf.

• Caducous (present and early deciduous)

  In this state there are two appendages (stipules) at the base of a leaf on either side of a dormant (axillary) bud that fall off during the development of the leaf.

• Entirely absent

  In this state the plant never produces two appendages (stipules) at the base of a leaf on either side of a dormant (axillary) bud.

Stipule fusion

This character refers to how two small appendages (stipules) at the base of a leaf on either side of a dormant (axillary) bud are attached to each other or other nearby structures. This character does not apply to species without stipules.

• Stipules fused behind the axillary bud

  In this state the stipules are attached to each other around the axillary bud.

• Stipules free

  In this state the stipules are not attached to each other.

• Amplexicaul

  In this state the stipules are conspicuous and encircle and clasp the stem or branchlet.

• Fused to petiole

  In this state the stipules are attached to the leaf stalk.

Flowers

A set of 15 characters related to the flower, its parts or structures associated with the flowers.

Flower-subtending bracts persistence

This character refers to the presence and persistence of brown or green leaf or scale-like structures below the flowers.

• Bracts present and persistent

  In this state brown or green leaf or scale-like structures (bracts) below the flower are present and persist throughout the lifespan of the flower.

• Bracts present but caducous

  In this state brown or green leaf or scale-like structures (bracts) below the flower are present but fall off the plant during development of the flower.

• Bracts apparently absent

  In this state brown or green leaf or scale-like structures (bracts) below the flower are never visible.

Inflorescence or flower position

This character refers to where flowers or clusters of flowers (inflorescences) are produced along a stem and relative to the leaves.

• Terminal

  In this state the flowers or clusters of flowers (inflorescences) are produced at the ends of branchlets or stems above the last leaves on that stem or branchlet.

• Axillary

  In this state the flowers or clusters of flowers (inflorescences) are produced in the angles (axils) made between the leaves and the stem or branchlet the leaf is attached to.

• Both

  In this state flowers or clusters of flowers (inflorescences) can be both axillary and terminal on the one plant.

• Leaf-opposed

  In this state flowers or clusters of flowers (inflorescences) emerge from the stem or branchlet on the opposite side from where a leaf is attached.

Pedicel presence

This character refers to whether flowers have stalks or not.

• Pedicel present

  In this state the flower has a stalk. This may be very short.

• Pedicel absent

  In this state the flower sits directly on a stem of inflorescence axis (rachis) and has no stalk.

Calyx hairiness

This character refers to whether there are hairs on the sepals. The sepals can be distinguished from bracts and bracteoles by comprising five lobes and being the last whorl of structures before the petals.

• Calyx glabrous

  In this state the sepals are completely devoid of hair.

• Calyx hairy

  In this state the sepals have some hairs. If the calyx is sparsely hairy or only occasional small hairs are seen, select this state.

Calyx tube relative length

This character refers to the length of the fused part of the sepal whorl (the calyx tube) compared to the length of the five parts (lobes) that arise from this tube.

• Shorter than lobes

  In this state the fused part of the sepal whorl (the calyx tube) is shorter than at least some of the five parts (lobes) that arise from this tube.

• Equal to the lobes (within 10%)

  In this state the fused part of the sepal whorl (the calyx tube) is around the same length (within 10%) of at least some of the five parts (lobes) that arise from this tube.

• Longer than lobes

  In this state the fused part of the sepal whorl (the calyx tube) is longer than at least some of the five parts (lobes) that arise from this tube.

Calyx length mm long

This is the length in mm of the sepals from the base of the calyx tube where it attaches to the pedicel to tips of the longest lobe.

Calyx lobe apex shape

This character refers to how sharp the tip of each of the five lobes are.

• Acute or acuminate

  In this state the tip comes to a point that creates an interior angle less than 90 degrees. For species with this state but also some lobes that do not fall into this state, either state may be correctly selected.

• Rounded, truncate or obtuse

  In this state the tip comes to a point that creates an interior angle greater than 90 degrees or the end of the lobe is curved and does not come to a defined point or the end of the lobe is a straight edge.

Bracteole presence

This character refers to the presence and persistence of two small brown or green structures (bracteoles) below or on the calyx but above the bracts.

• Bracteoles present and persistent

  In this state two small brown or green structures (bracteoles) are present below or on the calyx but above the bracts and persist throughout the lifespan of the flower.

• Bracteoles present but caducous

  In this state two small brown or green structures (bracteoles) are present below or on the calyx but above the bracts but fall off during the development of the flower.

• Bracteoles entirely absent

  In this state two small brown or green structures (bracteoles) are never present below or on the calyx but above the bracts. Distinguishing between bracteoles being entirely absent or caducous requires comparison of flowers that are in different times of development (e.g. in bud when caducous bracts may still be present and when flowers are open and full size when the may have fallen off).

Bracteole position

This character refers to the position of where two small brown or green structures (bracteoles) are attached.

• On the calyx or receptacle

  In this state the bracteoles are attached to the sepals above their base.

• On the pedicel

  In this state the bracteoles are attached to the stalk of the flower.

• At the junction of the receptacle and pedicel

  In this state the bracteoles are attached where the stalk of the flower joins to the flower.

Standard petal reduction

This character refers to the length of the petal that resembles the backboard of a basketball ring (standard) relative to the other petals that often protrude forwards.

• Standard petal less than 2/3 the length of the keel petal

  In this state the petal that resembles the backboard of a basketball ring is less than 2/3 the length of the outermost two petals that protrude forwards.

• Standard petal equal to or longer than the keel petal

  In this state the petal that resembles the backboard of a basketball ring is a similar length or longer than the outermost two petals that protrude forwards.

Standard petal main colour (front of petal)

This character refers to the predominant colour on the petal that resembles the backboard of a basketball ring (standard) on the side facing forward toward the other petals.

Standard petal length (including claw) mm long

This character refers to the length in mm of the petal that resembles the backboard of a basketball ring (standard) including both the larger expanded and visible part, and the narrower part at its base.

Standard petal length relative to breadth

This character refers to the length of the petal that resembles the backboard of a basketball ring (standard) including both the larger expanded and visible part and the narrower part at its base, compared to its width at its widest point.

Wing and keel petal relative lengths

This character refers to the length of the two outermost petals that protrude forward (wings) compared to the two innermost petals that protrude forwards, which are fused along their base (keel) and resemble the keel of a boat.

• Wings longer than keel

  In this state the wings will hide the keel when the flower is viewed from the side because the wings are longer than the keel.

• Wings equal to keel

  In this state the wings will hide the keel when the flower is viewed from the side because the wings are longer than the keel.

• Wings shorter than keel

  In this state the keel will be visible when the flower is viewed from the side because the wings are shorter than the keel.

Stamen fusion

This character refers to whether the filaments are joined and if so how. When assessing this character it will be necessary to pull down the keel to expose the stamens that typically lie within. When doing this be careful to only grasp the keel and not some of the filaments inside which are delicate and easily broken. This is particularly important for species with the 9 stamens fused with 1 free because the 1 free stamen is easily removed giving the impression that all stamens are fused.

• Stamens all free or lightly cohering

  In this state the filaments can be easily parted when prodded rather than staying together as a fused tube at their bases.

• Stamens fused into a closed tube

  In this state all the filaments are fused together forming a tube and are free only towards their ends near the anthers.

• Stamens fused into a tube split along the one side

  In this state all of the filaments are fused together forming a tube that is parted to the base along one side. The filaments are free towards their ends near the anthers.

• 9 stamens fused in a tube, with 1 stamen free

  In this state nine of the filaments are fused together forming a tube that is parted to the base along one side and one filament remains free in the part of the tube. All filaments are free towards their ends near the anthers.

• More than 10 stamens fused at base

  In this state there are more than 10 stamens that are only fused close to the base. Among Victorian species, this state is present only in Paraserianthes lophantha.

Pod and seed

A set of 10 characters associated with the fruit and seeds.

Pod shape

This character refers to outline shape of the fruit wall.

• Pod linear

  This shape is much longer than wide with sides that are more or less parallel or curved and equidistant for most of their length.

• Pod oblong

  This shape has a similar width to length or is up to a few times longer than wide and the sides are more or less parallel for most of their length.

• Pod elliptic

  This shape is an ellipse or oval.

• Pod circular

  This shape resembles a circle.

• Pod ovate

  This shape is widest near the base and egg-shaped.

• Pod obovate

  This shape resembles a club or an egg with its widest point near the tip at the opposite end to where the fruit is attached to the plant.

• Pod triangular

  This shape resembles a triangle.

• Pod moniliform

  In this state the fruit is constricted between where the seeds are, which gives a beaded appearance to the fruit like a bead necklace.

• Pod transversely jointed

  In this state the fruit appears segmented with each seed belonging to what appears to be a separate segment joined to the adjacent segments. This makes the fruit look moniliform but with lines dividing each seeded segment.

• Pod constricted along one margin

  In this state the fruit appears segmented with each seed belonging to what appears to be a separate segment joined to the adjacent segments. One edge of the fruit is straight sided and the other appears moniliform.

• Pod other

  This state is any other shaped that do not comfortably match the other provided shapes.

Pod transverse section

This character refers to how flat the fruit is.

• Pod flat

  In this state the fruit is flat and does not have a noticeable inner cavity volume.

• Pod rounded or inflated

  In this state there is an inner cavity where the seeds sit that has a noticeable volume. If a cut is made through the fruit at right angles to its attachment (transverse section) this cut would leave a circular or oval shape.

Pod bilocular

This character refers to how many cavities exist within the fruit.

• Bilocular

  In this state there are two cavities separated by a wall inside the fruit. If a cut is made through the fruit at right angles to its attachment (transverse section) two compartments would be visible for this state.

• Not bilocular

  In this state there is only a single cavity inside the fruit. If a cut is made through the fruit at right angles to its attachment (transverse section) one compartments would be visible for this state.

Pod stipitate

This state refers to whether there is a stalk that elevates the fruit above where the sepals are attached.

• Stipitate

  In this state there is a stalk that elevates the fruit above where the sepals are attached.

• Sessile

  In this state the base of the fruit sits where the sepals are attached.

Pod hairiness

This character refers to whether the outer surface of the fruit has hairs.

• Pod glabrous

  In this state the outer surface of the fruit is completely devoid of hairs.

• Pod hairy

  In this state the fruit has hairs on its outer surface. If the fruit is sparsely hairy or only the occasional small hair is seen on the outer surface select this state.

Pod dehiscence

This character refers to whether the fruit opens to release the seeds and if so how this happens.

• Dehiscent completely to upper third

  In this state both lines on either side of the fruit split open from the tip to near the base of the fruit to release the seeds. In this state open fruit appear like a beak of a bird that is wide open.

• Dehiscent only in upper third

  In this state both lines on either side of the fruit split open from the tip to a third of the way towards the base of the fruit to release the seeds. In this state open fruit appear like a beak of a bird that is partially open.

• Dehiscent along only one suture

  In this state only one of the lines of the fruit splits open to release the seeds. In this state open fruit have a split along one side like a boat.

• Indehiscent

  In this state the fruit never split open in a regular way to release the seeds. The seeds germinate when the wall of the fruit has broken down. Old fruit has a similar appearance to young unripe fruit.

• Splitting into segments

  In this state the fruit splits into segments at points between where the seeds are held rather than longitudinally along a line of dehiscence.

Pod length mm long

This is the length in mm from the tip of the fruit to where it is attached to a stalk or where the sepals are.

Seed shape

This character refers to the shape of the seed.

• Seed bean-shaped

  In this state the seed is a kidney shape.

• Seed square or oblong

  In this state the seed is a square shape or is up to a few times longer than wide and the sides are more or less parallel for most of their length.

• Seed triangular

  In this state the seed is shaped like a triangle.

• Seed elliptic, ovate or obovate

  In this state the seed is shaped like an oval or an egg.

Aril presence

This character refers to whether there is a fleshy protrusion or covering (aril) on the seed that is typically red, cream or white.

• Aril present

  In this state there is a fleshy protrusion or covering (aril) on the seed that is typically red, cream or white.

• Aril absent or minute

  In this state there is no clearly visible fleshy protrusion or covering (aril) on the seed that is typically red, cream or white.

Number of seeds per pod

This character is the total number of seeds within a fruit. This includes aborted or poorly formed seeds.

Occurrence

One character that refers to where a species can be found in Victoria.

Distribution by Natural Region

Victoria has been divided into 16 natural regions. For this character the user determines which natural region the plant that is to be identified was found in to enter for this character. Whether a taxon is regarded as occurring in a particular natural region or not is dependent on whether the taxon has been previously documented as occurring in that natural region or not. There is a remote possible that a taxon occurs in a natural region but has not yet been documented in that natural region. In such a case the key will not recognise that taxon as occurring in that natural region which will result in a misidentification for the user. This issue may be particularly relevant to newly introduced species which may be still expanding their range through Victoria or for taxa that are not collected often. Due to these issues we suggest that this character be one of the first characters investigated as a potential reason for misidentification.