Taxonomic Considerations in Aquatic Vegetation Assessments

ABSTRACT

Correct identification of vascular aquatic plants is extremely important when studying waters for various management policies. The plants should be thoroughly examined by a person familiar with aquatic flora who is able to interpret technical botanical keys, because many taxa are similar in appearance. Misidentification often leads to possible eradication of an important or rare species from a body of water.

Voucher specimens should be collected from the area studied. These specimens must be recorded in field notes, pressed as soon as possible, and then properly identified. Complete data should include such things as associated plants, water characteristics, and a detailed location description. A good library of various field manuals and the use of a herbarium are very helpful in making correct identifications.

Specimens should be placed in a herbarium collection at a location that is easily accessible, such as a university or state agency. Voucher sheets serve as valuable documentation that may show the shifts in plant populations over a period of time. These specimens may be of extreme importance in legal hearings that may arise from proposed work.

Key Words:

• herbarium
• field data
• plant identification
• rare plants
• voucher specimens