Tree Seedling and Sapling Identification

Tree Seedling and Sapling Identification

Resources to help you identify tiny trees

Language:

"Tree Seeds and Seedlings for Restoring Forests in Northern Thailand" - this publication is out of print, but you can still access it in English and Thai through the Resources > Library tab ((PDF format). It includes written descriptions and line drawings of 45 species that have successfully been used for forest-ecosystem restoration projects.

Seedling or Sapling?

A seedling is a recently germinated plant, which is still dependent on food stored in the seed (endosperm). A tree seedling becomes a sapling once it has developed enough leaves to capture all the energy it needs to grow by photosynthesis, supported by a woody stem. The transition from seedling to sapling is gradual and indistinct, so for practical purposes we usually refer to plants as being seedlings, when they are growing in germination trays, and as saplings, once they have been potted up.

This database was compiled by Dr. Greuk Pakkad (sponsored by Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency). It enables users to search for seedling/sapling species by name (to check species labels in nurseries) and to identify species from leaf characteristics and germination type. There are 308 species in the database. Summary information is in English. Full descriptions are in Thai. All species are illustrated at several stages of development. Scroll down for an explanation of the terminology used to search the database. Seedling developmentLeaf morphology changes as trees grow. The database includes images to help you identify tree seedling/sapling species even when they are very young.

Open the Seedling Database

CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE DATABASE

The database is hosted by Caspio, outside of the FORRU-CMU website

Annotation:

Germination type)

  • Epigeal Germination
  • Hypogeal Germination

Leaves-Blade-Leaf Form

Leaves-Blade-Leaf Form

Leaves-Blade-ApicesLeaves-Blade-Apices

Leaves-Blade-Bases

Leaves-Blade-Bases

Leaves-Blade-Margin

Leaves-Blade-Margin