Keys help you find the likely description of your specimen rapidly and simply. Most keys are arranged to present you with a series of choices (decision points), usually dichotomous (dividing in two).
The paired statements of each ‘couplet’ are framed to be contrasting and mutually exclusive. Each choice you make narrows down the possibilities for your specimen until you find the appropriate description. Terminology is precise and brief. Keys can vary in complexity. An example of dichotomous keys can be found here:
NZ Gastrodia key
- Download Gastrodia key (PDF, 440.60 kB)
Parasitic plants
- Key to parasitic plant genera (by Miriam A. Aiken)
Recently, in addition to dichotomous keys, electronic computer-based keys are now being developed and used. Some New Zealand examples of electronic keys are: