#XploreMore 2014 - task 66 - ID 5 leaves, dry and press them

Leaf identification – it’s a lot easier said than done, even with a key identification sheet to help tell which tree/ shrub the leaf came from. During this activity, you really get an idea of how many different types of leaves there actually are in a small area and how similar lots are.

At this site, Chatsworth, there is quite a variety of trees and bushes, which was perfect for this challenge. So, we collected a few different types of leaves and, using an identification key we downloaded from the web, attempted to find out what leaves we had found. Now, there was quite a crucial problem that we failed to think of when we were gathering up the leaves. We tried to avoid pulling the leaves off trees (unless the leaves were dead) therefore meaning that we couldn’t answer a couple of the questions about how the leaves grew on the branches of the trees they were from which, in some cases, we did need to know.

Anyway, we found and ID'ed 5 leaves, dried them and pressed them between kitchen roll.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable activity – despite all the rain!

Amy

Photo uploaded by Dad