Definitions of Column Heads: Compendium B

Taxon:

Subclass, family, genus, or species name, or general descriptive category (for example, cheno-am). Most of the scientific names listed in this column are from A Utah Flora (Welsh et al. 1987*1); the names of several plants not recorded in A Utah Flora are from Arizona Flora (Kearney and Peebles 1960*1). (Some domesticates—for example, Zea mays—are not described or discussed in either flora.)

Common Name:

Most of the names listed in this column are from A Utah Flora (Welsh et al. 1987*1); the names of several plants not recorded in A Utah Flora are from Arizona Flora (Kearney and Peebles 1960*1). (Some domesticates—for example, Zea mays—are not described or discussed in either flora.)

Part:

Part of plant described (for example, seed, leaf, achene).

General Description:

A general description of the plant part, which may include information on two- and three-dimensional shapes, surface characteristics, and other identifying features.

Photo Number(s):

Linked to specimen photograph(s).

Face View:

The basic two-dimensional shape of a specimen as viewed when the specimen rests naturally on a flat surface. Also recorded in this column is information on characteristic features that may be visible in this view (for example, blossom scars). The following shape categories are used:

• circular: round, with all diameters equal
• semicircular: half of a circle
• elliptic/oval/lens-shaped: not round; some diameters longer than others, but opposite ends have equal diameters
• ovate: egg-shaped, with one end broader than the other end
• quadrangular/rectangular/angular: having four or more angles, often with parallel sides, but not hexagonal
• hexagonal: angular, with six equal angles and six flat sides
• triangular/wedge-shaped: a polygon having three distinct side
• variable: often used when an item is fragmentary

Cross Section:

The two-dimensional shape of a specimen in cross (transverse) section. Also recorded in this column is information on characteristic features that may be visible in this view (for example, interior texture). The same shape categories used for "Face View" are used for "Cross Section."

Size Class:

Three general size categories, based on the greatest dimension measured. Some taxa are represented by specimens whose sizes are variable; in these cases, more than one size class is listed or the size class is described as "variable." The size classes are as follows:

• small: less than or equal to 1.5 mm
• medium: greater than 1.5 mm, less than 3.0 mm
• large: equal to or greater than 3.0 mm

Length:

When specimen is in face view, length is measured in metric units along the greatest dimension.

Width:

When specimen is in face view, width is measured in metric units at right angles to the length, at the point of maximum width.

Thickness:

When specimen is in face view, thickness is measured in metric units from the ventral (front) to the dorsal (back) surfaces.

Surface Characteristics:

Description of selected surficial traits, including texture.

Comments:

Additional information relevant to the identification of the plant part in question.