- 1). Examine the vine seeds. Note their shape, size, texture and parts. Compare a few seeds from each plant to see how alike they are. Color often varies based on the vine's age, location and soil conditions. Look at them closely with a magnifying glass or microscope if necessary.
- 2). Enter information in a dichotomous key. The tool gives the user two statements. The one that pertains to the seed then leads to another two statements, and so on, until the vine seed is identified. Dichotomous keys use botanical terms, so become familiar with them before using the seed ID keys.
- 3). Look at seed "plates," which are drawings. By comparing your seeds to pictures, you can compare the two until you narrow down the possibilities. Written descriptions can also help you determine the origin. Once you know the type of vine the seed comes from, you'll know how to take care of the vine.
- 4). Use a herbarium (collection of seeds) as a mode of comparison. These models are used for the final seed identification because you can compare several seeds at the same time. Take several of the unknown vine seeds and try to find seeds in the herbarium that match closely.
- 5). Subscribe to a service that offers an online searchable database. One such program is the Seed Technology Educational Program at Colorado State University. The search mechanism lets you ID the seed using many combinations. All types of seeds are listed in the data bank.