Elements and Performance Criteria
- Inspect plant morphological features
- Inspect the form and structures of the specimen and describe it in botanical terms
- Record qualitative and quantitative data in a format listing the main observable features
- Use all relevant available senses to assist in recognition
- Note useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit
- Determine plant group or family characteristics
- Determine status of health
- Identify the specimen
- Use research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys to define a closer identification
- Inspect photographs or illustrations or physical specimens and compare to similar specimens in the reference material and database
- Analyse unknown specimens for specific characteristics and identify to species and cultivar level where possible
- Report on the process results
- Compile the information data observed for the plant’s morphological features
- Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process
- Produce a report of the identification process and list the compiled data
- Inform the client or organisation of the results of the identification process