1. Collecting Data on Plants

You can collect data on our 5 target plants. We offer two different data collection methods (data entry via the app or additional sample collection) that can be carried out throughout the EU the whole year. We will guide you step-by-step through the data collection protocol.

Attention! You no longer need to enter the activation code with the new Flora Incognita update.

In addition to a mobile phone you will need:

Out in the field

Which species?

The target plants for our project are thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), common shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), (Brassica rapa), and perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). Here is a short (in DE) and a long (in DE) identification guide.

When?

All five species are found throughout the EU, and shepherd’s purse even blooms the whole year! The thale cress blooms from March to May, hairy bittercress from March to June, brassica rapa flowers are found from April to September, and perennial-wall rocket blooms from May to September.

Where?

Typical habitats include: field edges, roadsides, gardens, grasslands, meadows, vineyards, parks, and open ruderal areas (see photo examples here).

You can find the species almost anywhere, even right in front of your doorstep.

Please follow the rules for legally collecting plant specimens.

Which data?

Ideally, 11 data points should be recorded for each plant. However, the data collection protocol is very flexible, and not all data points need to be filled in.

Have a look on our guides:

- long, detailed guide (in DE)
- short guide (in DE)
- guide on our website
- short guide on YouTube

Follow-up at Home

If you didn’t collect any plant or soil samples, you’re already done.

If you collected plant and soil samples, please make sure they are dried or stored in a dry place to prevent mold. Samples can be dried for example on a heater or sunny windowsill.

Place the bags containing the samples separately (i.e., each bag individually—do NOT put the paper bags inside the bag with the soil sample!) into a pre-adressed envelope with a stamp, (we can only provide pre-stamped enveloped within germany), and send them to us as soon as possible.

We from PUKI say: Thank you for participating!

2. Improving Data Logs

If you have any ideas on how to improve data collection or the instructions for data collection, please contact us: puki(at)hhu.de or Tel.: +49 (0)211 81-13427

Note: Not all ideas can be implemented due to certain restrictions we are subject to, but we will consider all ideas.

3. Supporters

You are welcome to join our citizen science team. Supporters can range from hobby botanists to those involved in nature conservation or education. You could, for example, actively participate in discussions or recruit new participants. If you’re interested in joining the citizen science team, please feel free to contact us!

4. Public Relations

Through our public relations activities, we aim to raise awareness of the vital roles plants play in ecosystems and the threats they face. You can support us for example via

- conventional print media
- our website
- talks
- other public events

You can find PUKI on social media channels (to protect society, we no longer post on X).

https://www.instagram.com/p/C46ImGSsrse/

https://bsky.app/profile/puki-hhu.bsky.social

5. Education

We invite biology teachers who wish to enrich their lessons with realistic experiments to take a look at our plans for integrating PUKI into the classroom (handout, in DE).

The script covers basic genetic engineering techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing) as well as their analysis. We can present these experiments in the classroom at a time that works for you, using portable equipment and PowerPoint presentations.