Join Us!
There are many ways to participate in PUKI: from collecting plants to teaching.
Option 1: Collect data on plants. There are two ways to do this: Data Collection 1, using only the app—or Data Collection 2, where you also send in samples. Both options are available year-round throughout the EU.
Request your collection bags here now!
Download the Flora Incognita app and activate the PUKI project within it—the easiest way is via QR code.
For sample collection: Order collection bags in advance. You’ll receive two paper bags for leaf and pod samples and one plastic bag for soil samples.
Target species: Thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), common shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Brassica rapa, and perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia)
Flowering seasons: Shepherd's purse February–November (rarely year-round) · thale cress usually March–May · hairy bittercress March–June · brassica rapa April–September · perinneal wall-rocket May–October.
Where to look: Field edges and roadsides, gardens, lawns, meadows, vineyards, parks, and open, disturbed soil. Do not collect specimens in protected areas.
Data: Ideally 11 entries per plant—the log is flexible; any field can be left blank
No samples collected: all done – thanks!
- For samples: Let the bag contents dry (e.g., on a heater or a sunny windowsill) to prevent mold.
- Place each bag individually into the pre-addressed envelope.
- Stamps are included for orders within Germany. Postage is currently €1.80, with a maximum weight of 500 g per letter.
More Ways to Join PUKI
Reach out to us!
If you have any ideas on how to improve the data collection process or the instructions for data collection, please feel free to contact PUKI: puki(at)hhu.de or Tel.: +49 (0)211 81-13427
Or, if you’re a teacher and are interested in integrating PUKI into your daily school routine, feel free to check out our ideas for worksheets for 5th and 6th grades as well as 10th and 11th grades. We can also offer students genetic technology work (PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing) at times that work for you—either in the classroom or as a field trip to our facility.
We look forward to working with you!