On this page, you will find brief explanations for the 11 data entries in the PUKI additional function in the Flora incognita app. Data collection can be carried out throughout the EU and throughout the year.

Detailed instructions on target plants, typical habitats, and data entry can be found on the page Join us and in this video.

Please note that

all measurements are in millimeters (mm), and

data entry fields 1-7 and 10 & 11 are for data collection 1 (data collection without samples),

and

data entry fields 8 & 9 are additionally for data collection 2 (data collection with plant and soil samples).

Please note that for data collection 2, you will need two small paper bags (for one leaf and one pod sample) and one small plastic bag (for the soil sample) per plant, which you can order at: puki@hhu.de

Please dry the contents of the bags first. The bags with the samples inside can be dried on a heater or a sunny windowsill, for example.

Then place the bags with the samples separately (i.e., each bag individually, so do NOT put the paper bags in the bag with the soil sample, for example!) in an envelope, stamp the envelope (we also provide stamps when collection bags are requested), and send it to us as soon as possible:

PUKI

Institute of Botany

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Building 26.14.01

Universitätsstr. 1

40225 Düsseldorf

At the moment, the postage for a standard letter is €1.80 within gernmany (EU varies) , but please make sure that the weight does not exceed 50 grams.

If you are unsure or don't have time, you can leave any data fields blank or fill them in later. Give it a try!

Simply enter the species that was identified using Flora Incognita. Feel free to take a look at our species identification documents (short and long versions, both in german).

It is usually more practical to take the plant home with you after identifying the species and taking the soil sample. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of removing individual plants on page 35 of the PDF document “Instructions for PUKI data collection (DE).”

Determine the longest shoot and then stretch it before measuring the length in millimeters. Use this shoot for the next data entry as well.

If you are unable to take the measurement, please enter “9999”: this is our code for “I am not sure or I was unable to take the measurement.”

Enter the number of siliques on the longest shoot (the length of which has just been determined!).

Enter one of these four categories: 0, < 5, 6-20, > 20

Enter the length of the longest basal leaf (including its petiole) in millimeters. If there are no basal leaves, enter 0.

If you cannot take the measurement, please enter “9999”: this is our code for “I am not sure or I could not take the measurement.”

Enter the dominant color or colors of the main leaves here. There are 10 categories to choose from.

Choose from 10 categories about the habitat where you found the plant. These categories are sometimes difficult to distinguish from one another. Also, there may be habitats that are not listed in our list. In this case, please enter additional information in the notes section at the end of the questionnaire (data entry 11).

Estimate and enter the light exposure at the loction as sunny, partial shade, or shade.

A plant in a sunny location is exposed to direct sunlight (100%-75% light intensity). In a partial shade location, the plant is exposed to 75%-25% light intensity, and in a shady location, the plant is hardly exposed to direct sunlight (25%-0% light intensity).

Cut a few fresh leaves and siliques from the plant specimen whose data is being collected (not from another plant!) and place them in a small paper bag and close it. If possible, the siliques should be ripe, i.e., fully grown but still closed. Otherwise, collect unripe pods as well.

Using a digging tool (preferably a steel teaspoon), take soil samples directly next to the sampled plant (at least 1 cm deep, where the actual soil begins and there is not plant material). Place three scoops of a teaspoon or two tablespoons (no more!) in the plastic bag and close it. Click it the app when the respective samples have been taken.

Enter the collection number printed on all three bags in the entry field. Each collection number consists of two letters followed by four numbers, e.g.

aa0001

Do not enter anything if no sample is taken.

First, determine the vegetation within a radius of 50 cm of the target plant. Are there grasses, mosses, or other (flowering) plants? Please click on the applicable option. A new window will appear in which you can then specify the most common (as well as the second, third, fourth, or fifth most common) plant species within a radius of 50 cm. It is best to determine this beforehand using the Flora Incognita app.

Here you can enter short explanatory texts, e.g., explanations of why an entry was not possible or a more detailed description of the habitat. These entries are completely voluntary.

For longer comments, e.g., suggestions for improvement, please email

puki@hhu.de

or call

Tel.: +49 (0)211 81-13427.