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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. 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
2. Determine status of health
   • Inspect plant specimen for health and general condition
   • Use observations to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups
   • Record, evaluate and, where possible, identify relevant data
3. 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
4. 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

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

Identify, describe in botanical terms and record key features of plant morphology

compile a database of plant specimens and characteristics

determine the health of plants

recognise plants common to a region

research multiple sources of reference material

produce a report of the identification process with a list of compiled and labelled data observed on the plant’s morphological features

liaise with clients

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of plant identification

basic physiology and life cycle of pests and diseases

botany, plant morphology, physiology and taxonomy

methods of data capture

plant identification techniques

problem-solving techniques

soil characteristics particularly in relation to the local region

symptoms of plant pests and diseases

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