Home How to Write a Scientific Name Practice Writing a Scientific Name What is a Key? Rules For Using a Key Sample Key Key Tutorial Horticultural Sites                                                                                               Sample Key Instructions Read both statements in each couplet.  The couplets are color coded for clarity. Underlined plant descriptions are linked to a picture of that characteristic. Select the statement you feel is correct.  If the couplet ends in a plant name, click on the name and a new window will appear to show you if you were correct   Re-size the new window to view concurrent with the Key, or close the window between selections. If the couplet ends in a number, go to that numbered couplet. Continue until a plant is displayed that is identical to the plant you are keying out. See below for a printable version of this key. Key to Sansevieria1 1) Plant with evident upright stem, leaves arising along entire length . . . . . . .  .  . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .S.powellii 1) Plant without evident upright stem, leaves arising from basal clusters . . . . .(2) 2) Mature leaves cylindrical, and channeled only on younger or basal clusters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . .S. cylindrica 2) Mature leaves flattened and expanded, much wider than thick . . . . . . . . .(3) 3) Leaves not variegated or with light and dark green transverse bands on younger growth and becoming obliterated with age . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . .(4) 3) Leaves conspicuously variegated with transverse or linear striations . . .  . (7) 4) Leaves dark green, never banded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...S. nelsonii 4) Leaves with light and dark green transverse bands on younger growth and becoming obliterated with age  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .(5) 5) Leaves broad with a thin brownish-white margin and rosette-like to semi-erect type growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . .S. subspicata 5) Leaves upright, linear and much longer than wide, without  brownish-white margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . .(6) 6) Leaves 3-4 per growth, 1 1/16 to 2 1/2 inch broad, upper surface       entirely dark green, or on younger leaves indistinctly transversely  banded and under-surface paler with bands . . . . . .  . . . . . . .S. liberiensis 6) Leaves 6-14 per growth, 1/3 to 1/6 inch broad, younger growth more      distinctly horizontally banded with equally distributed bands on both surfaces      . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .S. parva 7) Plant with basal or rosette type growth, rarely over 6-8 inches tall,  leaves not more than 2-3 times longer than wide .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .(8) 7) Plant with ascending growth; leaves many times longer than wide . . . .. .(10) 8) Leaves green with yellow linear striations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. trifasciata cv. Golden Hahnii 8) Leaves entirely light or dark green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(9) 9) Leaves predominantly dark green with pale green transverse bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . .S. trifasciata cv. Hahnii 9) Leaves with much less dark green, mostly pale green cross-bands to give leaf a metallic ash-green to silvery color, leaves narrower and more erect .  . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  . . . . . .S. trifasciata cv. Silver Hahnii 10) Leaves dark green with light green transverse bands, with distinct longitudinal golden-yellow stripes along margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S.trifasciata var. Laurentii 10) Leaves without yellow variegation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(11) 11) Leaves only transversely banded with light dull green and deep  grass-green bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. trifasciata 11) Leaves in part transversely banded with light and dark green, also linearly striated with whitish to light green striations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .S. liberica 1 Taken from: D. W. Reed. 1978. Sansevieria--Identification and Culture. Louisiana Society of Horticultural Research 14(2):30-77. Viewable and/or printable Key to Sansevieria. Note that this version requires Adobe Acrobat Reader and is identical to the key in your lab book. Back to top.

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