ISLAND: Because many eucalypts occur as a result of state forest replanting projects and different species were utilized in different forest reserve areas, it can be useful to indicate the island for the species ID being attempted. Not selecting an island will remove this "characteristic" from consideration in making a match. Distribution data are from Imada (2019) for naturalized species, and Wagner et al., (1990) for native trees.

FORM: By tree "form" is meant the general shape of the tree, as expressed by the growth of the branches off the trunk. Most trees tend to an oval or rounded shape, although the vase shape is very common. In vase-shaped, the main branches grow up and out. In a spreading form, the main lateral branches tend to spread widely outwards creating an umbrella shape. In a columnar form, the branches are all short relative to the trunk. The forms intergrade and the shape a tree takes can depend on a number of factors so this characteristic is loosely applied in the key.

BARK TYPE: Tree bark types are illustrated in a series of photographs at MAK Barks Illustrated, In the field, the type or form of the bark should be viewed on the lower part of the trunk and on the oldest specimen present. Younger trees may have more or less smooth or finely grooved bark that will mature over time into a more complex type.

LEAF - ARRANGEMENT: Leaf arrangement describes how the leaves are borne on the stem (either alternating or in pairs, opposite each other along the stem; sometimes both arrangements can be present) and whether leaves are simple or compound *. Compound leaves are divided into leaflets and these can range in number from 2 to many per leaf. Leaflets may or may not be opposite on the rachis. Compound odd means the number of leaflets is an odd number: leaflets are paired, with one additional at tip of leaf. Compound even has all leaflets paired. LEAF - SHAPE: The shape and characteristics of a leaf can be described in many ways. To simplify, this MAK key considers only the most basic of shapes: the leaf is either narrow (linear), ovate, or broad (nearly as wide or wider than long); the tip of the leaf is either pointed (acute) or rounded (blunt). Basic shape can be applied to leaflets of compound leaves. LEAF - DETAILS: Special leaf characteristics to be noted are a distinct odor (aromatic) detected by smelling a crushed leaf; curved blade shape (falcate); discolorous = the underside of leaf is distinctly different in color from the upper surface; peltate = the leaf stem (petiole) attaches to the blade inside the blade margin. Because these are very distinct characteristics, selecting one will eliminate species lacking the characteristic..

INFLORESCENCE: Flowers are important structures to aid in identifying a particular tree, but often the tree is encountered outside its flowering period or the flowers are too high up to observe. In the Myrtaceae, the infloresence most typically is an umbellate cluster or paniculate and found at the tips of branches (tereminal) or in the axils of the leaves. FLOWER: Although flower colors cover a wide range, our Myrtaceae derive their overall color from the masss of stamens and these are either white, cream, or red.

FRUIT: The fruit borne on a tree can be an exceptionally good characteristic for identifying the plant. In the Myrtaceae, two easily distinguished fruit types are found: a dry capsule (Subfamily Leptospermoideae) and a fleshy berry (Subfamily Myrtoideae). Fleshy fruits are usually edible and likely familiar. The woody fruits of the eucalypts are recognizable and additional characteristics can be applied to further differentiate between species. CAPSULE FRUIT DETAILS: For the eucalypts, the fruit capsule may be collected from the ground around the tree in order to observe details—Click HERE for an image showing the parts of a Leptospermoideae fruit.