BioImages: The Virtual Field-Guide (UK)

Lousley, J.E. & Kent, D.H., 1981

Docks and Knotweeds of the British Isles

After a brief introduction, the identification section starts with a brief review of the characters used. This is followed by the dichotomous Key to Genera, then the individual Genus entries, beginning with a short confirmatory description, then maybe a key to sections, followed by key(s) to species.

The major portion of the book consists of detailed species accounts facing line-drawings of the whole plant or a stem, fruiting perianth, fruit, ochrae, perianth, etc.

The final two pages of figures (79 and 80) bring together a set of drawings of Rumex fruits, for comparison or quick identification.

Finally lists are given, with brief descriptions, of Dubious Records of Rumex, Additional Rumex spp Adventive in N. and W. Europe, Polygonum Hybrids Recorded from the British Isles, Rumex Hybrids Recorded from the British Isles, Rumex Hybrids Recorded from Europe (no descriptions for these latter).

A new edition is in prep.

Publisher Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI)
Volume No 3
Pages 205
ISBN 0 901158 04 6
Coverage All native and established species and hybrids, plus a number of casual adventives.
Illustrations Line drawings facing the species descriptions.
Identify With x8 or x10 hand lens.
Specimen Prep. Fresh or pressed material, ideally with upper and lower leaves and mature fruits.
Difficulty Generally straightforward, but hybrids more challenging.
News A new edition is in preparation

Malcolm Storey

Taxonomic Scope

POLYGONACEAE (docks and knotgrasses) Identification Current

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