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An analytical key to the families of flowering plants of the world

This interactive identification key covers 318 families of flowering plants (angiosperms). Select the characteristics you observe to progressively exclude families that do not match. Unlike a dichotomous key, you can start with any available character, making it useful for incomplete specimens. Hover over the characteristics to view illustrations and explanatory notes from the original guide.

The program was originally developed by Hamann in (1993) from the punchcard key of Hansen and Rahn (1969). The current web version uses the APG V (2026) taxonomic classification system. The hierarchical labels are 3 (or 4) digit navigation codes: major group.order.family.(sub group). Hover over a family on the left panel to see the full APG V classification.

Original PDF Guide & DOS Executable

PDF guide Download original DOS program
Hamann, A. 1993. An analytical key to the families of flowering plants. The taxonomy used is somewhat dated, but the key still works well. Check for modern synonyms of plant family names.