Abstract:

This is an attempt to classify trees according to their vegetative organs, aiming at the purpose of finding an easier and more practical way to identify trees than the traditional method according to their propagative organs.　Nearly 10,000 spicies from more than 1400 genera of 212 families in China have been extensively investigated in reference to the leaf blade and leaf vein, the branches, the pith structure and medium, vascular system (mainly leaf gap and leaf trace), bud body and leaf scars.　The results indicate that the vegetative organs of Chinese trees can be classified into 7 types. To make further researches for the reliabitity of the vegetative organ classification of trees, a comprehensive key for families and genera (including species groups) in each type and the key to the genera of each family has been made for ready use.　Practice shows that this attempt is completely realizable so long as we can accurately master each above-mentioned basic characters in classifying the trees.　The study finally has made some general conclusions according to the vegetative organs and put forward some valuable views on the basis of the ordinary classification system of the vegetable kingdom(Division, Subdivison, Family and Genus). The study also analyzes the indicative effects of tree venation patterns and vascular system in the systematic development of plants. Additionally there could be a supplementary value to the theory of traditional plant taxonomy at the same time.

Key words: Classification of vegetative organs in trees, Types of vegetative organs, Comprehensive key of families and key to the genera of each family, General conclusion