AHCPCM303
Identify plant specimens


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect and describe the features and attributes of a plant for the purpose of plant identification and providing information to a client or organisation.

It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Inspect plant morphological features

1.1 Inspect the form and structures of the specimen and describe it in botanical terms

1.2 Record qualitative and quantitative data in a format listing the main observable features

1.3 Use all relevant available senses to assist in recognition

1.4 Note useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit

1.5 Determine plant group or family characteristics

2. Determine status of health

2.1 Inspect plant specimen for health and general condition

2.2 Use observations to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups

2.3 Record, evaluate and, where possible, identify relevant data

3. Identify the specimen

3.1 Use research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys to define a closer identification

3.2 Inspect photographs or illustrations or physical specimens and compare to similar specimens in the reference material and database

3.3 Analyse unknown specimens for specific characteristics and identify to species and cultivar level where possible

4. Report on the process results

4.1 Compile the information data observed for the plant’s morphological features

4.2 Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process

4.3 Produce a report of the identification process and list the compiled data

4.4 Inform the client or organisation of the results of the identification process

Evidence of Performance

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


Evidence of Knowledge

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


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Plants culture and management (PCM)