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Proposed photographic standards: Woody angiosperms

For background and rationale, see Baskauf, S.J. and B.K. Kirchoff (2008) Digital plant images as specimens: toward standards for photographing living plants.  Vulpina 7:16-30.

A. Whole tree (or vine)

1. entire tree - summer
The image of the whole tree should show the shape and growth form of the tree.  The idea is to give the viewer an idea of how the tree typically looks from a distance.

2. entire tree - winter
The purpose is the same as the summer image.  However, for deciduous trees, the branching pattern is more apparent when the leaves are not present.

3. view up trunk, if tree is large
In forested environments, this may be the only possible image of the whole tree.  The view looking up the trunk presents another way for the viewer to become familiar with the overall form of the tree, combining factors such as the bark characteristics, straightness of trunk, and branching pattern. 

B. Bark (vertical orientation)

1. of a large tree
This view should show the bark morphology of a large, mature tree that has achieved its most developed state.

2. of a medium tree or the bark of a large branch oriented vertically
This view should show the bark morphology of a tree or branch that is intermediate between the juvenile state and the fully-developed bark of a mature tree.  The characteristics of mature bark are often beginning to appear but are not fully developed.

3. of a small tree or the bark of a small branch oriented vertically
This view should show the bark morphology of a sapling tree or an equivalently-sized branch larger than a twig.

C. Twig

1. horizontal view showing the orientation of the petioles and axillary buds
Additional images may be included if necessary to show diagnostic features such as stipules, spines, thorns, or appearance of the twig surface. 

2. horizontal view of a winter twig showing a terminal bud and several axillary buds

3. close-up of winter twig showing leaf scar and lateral bud (vertical orientation)
Microscopic or close macro image likely to be required.

4. close-up of winter twig showing terminal bud (vertical orientation)
Microscopic or close macro image likely to be required.

D. Leaf

1. upper (adaxial) surface of whole leaf oriented with apex downward; part of the lower (abaxial) surface of another leaf should be visible

2. margin of upper surface of leaf; part of the lower surface of another leaf with major veins visible should be shown behind the upper surface

3. several leaves showing their orientation on the twig

E. Inflorescence and flower. If imperfect, photograph flowers of both sexes.

1. whole inflorescence

2. lateral view of flower

3. frontal view of flower

4. ventral view of flower showing perianth

5. if the flower is large, a close-up of its interior

F. Fruit

1. as borne on the plant

2. lateral view

3. section of fruit, or open fruit if dehiscent

4. seeds

5. young fruit

Images (c) Steven J. Baskauf - click on link for info on individual images.