Thursday 8 March 2018

Getting Closer: Using a hand lens



Eye Spy....

Sometimes the only way to identify a plant is by looking to see how rounded or angled (square) the stem is; whether it is smooth or furrowed and whether hairs are present or absent.  To narrow down identification even further you may also need to determine the shape and type of hairs that are present.   


 

To identify some plants a microscope is needed, but for the most part a 10x magnification hand lens is sufficient for identifying most species out in the field. However, for closer inspection, you may want to use a 20x or 30x magnification hand lens.


To use a hand lens correctly, hold it to your eye and bring the plant up to the hand lens.  Allow time to focus – you may need to draw the plant closer towards the hand lens or further back to get it into focus.

 

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