Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:42 PM AWST

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Identify plant specimens

Identify plant specimens

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPCM303A
State Code
D7148
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
010903 - Botany
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers the process of identifying an unknown plant specimen and defines the standard required to: capture relevant morphological features of a plant, record qualitative and quantitative data; use comparative techniques to define progress towards identification; use indications of health, environmental influences and location to assist identification; construct a plant database; document a report of the identification process; name unknown plant specimens.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Observe the plant specimen
  • 1.1. Immediate recognition of overall features is used to remember the plant name and inform client.
  • 1.2. Information retrieved from memory is recorded for common and botanical names.
  • 1.3. Data is recorded in a format allowing further process of observation of features.
  • 1.4. Specimens yet to be identified fully continue through the process of identification.
2. Inspect plant morphological features
  • 2.1. Visual inspection of the form and structures of the specimen is described in botanical terms.
  • 2.2. Qualitative and quantitative data are recorded in a format listing the main observable features.
  • 2.3. Photographs of the main features are taken and stored in a database for future reference.
  • 2.4. All relevant available senses are used to assist in the observation procedure.
  • 2.5. Useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit are recorded.
  • 2.6. Identity of specimen is recorded where known at this point.
  • 2.7. Unknown specimen is analysed for plant group or family characteristics from available sources of knowledge and information gained is recorded.
3. Determine statusof health
  • 3.1. Plant specimen is inspected for health and general condition.
  • 3.2. Observations are used to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups.
  • 3.3. Discussion and research are used to determine the current location, environmental influences and distribution of the specimen where known.
  • 3.4. Relevant data are recorded and evaluated and identification recorded where possible and the client or organisation informed of the result.
4. Identify the specimen
  • 4.1. Database is constructed of plants and their characteristics using digital methods, collection of physical specimens and associated data or illustrations of specimens and key features.
  • 4.2. Research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys are used to define a closer identification by comparison of generic characteristics and all results of the process are recorded.
  • 4.3. Photographs or illustrations or physical specimens are inspected and compared to similar specimens in the reference material and database.
  • 4.4. Unknown specimens are analysed for specific characteristics and identified to species and cultivar level where possible and named.
5. Report on the process results
  • 5.1. Compile the information data observed for the plants morphological features throughout the process.
  • 5.2. Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process.
  • 5.3. Document a report of the identification process and list the compiled data.
  • 5.4. The client or organisation is informed of the results of the identification process.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Plants may include:
all plant species and cultivars.
Plant morphology features include:
plant habit
duration
vegetative growth
floral parts
epidermis and periderm texture
specialisations
pollination and fertilization
fruit types
fruiting bodies
seeds and seedless reproduction.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
recognise an unknown plant
capture relevant morphological features of a plant
record qualitative and quantitative data
use comparative techniques to define progress towards identification
use indications of health, environmental influences and location to assist identification
construct a plant database
documenta report of the identification process
name unknown plant specimens.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAS86 AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens Unit of competency