This unit applies to the process of collecting, preparing and preserving plant specimens for recording or identification purposes.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Collect specimen

1.1. Sample collected is the largest practical to fit on herbarium sheet.

1.2. Sample includes features required for positive identification, e.g., flowers and fruit, leaves and roots.

1.3. Particular features are collected following enterprise procedures or guidelines.

1.4. Observations regarding locality, habit of plant, etc., are recorded following enterprise procedure.

1.5. Individual specimens are clearly identified in a manner that allows them to be linked to observations.

2. Press plants

2.1. Samples are protected from wilting until pressing following enterprise procedures.

2.2. Specimens are arranged on sheets following enterprise guidelines for pressing.

2.3. Specimens are pressed correctly following established guidelines.

2.4. Archival specimens are attached to suitable material with observations attached following established material.

2.5. Specimens to be submitted for identification are packed following established procedures, including all data from collection observations as required by herbarium.

3. Record data

3.1. All data relating to specimens is recorded and catalogued correctly following enterprise procedures.

Required skills

collect specimen

press plant

record and catalogue data

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

recognition of plants to be collected

legislative limitations on the collection of flora (including threatened species).

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:

select the most suitable plant specimens for collection

collect and identify each plant specimen

press the plant specimens collected

identify plant specimens and store collection information

store and catalogue specimens correctly.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Plant specimens may include:

all forms of plant life including:

trees

shrubs

ground covers

herbs

epiphytes

saprophytes.

Unit sector

Plants

This unit contains employability skills.