A multi-access key for identification of plants of the Maltese Islands

Abstract

This study proposes a new identification method for Maltese flora that can be used during school fieldwork for Biology students. A multi-access key was built using the software Lucid v3.3. It contains several plant species that are commonly studied during fieldwork and are generally found in different habitats at Buskett. This key also includes several features present in different plants which help the user reach the correct name, as well as several images of the plants and trees. It aims to help both students and teachers to identify plants present in the environs around Buskett, by providing a new, faster, easier and more enjoyable way of reaching the correct plant's name. With this method, the participants are able to observe the plant under study, determine its characteristic features and find them on the key. Once they tick the appropriate features, the key will automatically generate the specimen's name, concluding the process of identification. During this study, several participants took part and tested the key themselves in order to determine whether it is a better identification method than the commonly used field guide, 'Flora of the Maltese Islands' (Hans Christian Weber and Bernd Kendzior). In the end, positive feedback was obtained from the participants, all of which recommended the key for further educational use because it provides a faster and easier way of identification, hence, it proved to be more effective during fieldwork sessions than the currently used field guide.