By Kaitlin Lavender, member of Cross Timbers NPSOT chapter
Plant collection methods have evolved over the years. Many people still have physical plant collections, in which they press each specimen and hand-write each identification label. Some people simply take pictures and store their collections on their phones, often in apps like iNaturalist. A third collection method, and one that is rapidly gaining popularity, is a digital plant collection that is scanned into the computer. What is this new collection method, and how can one begin to implement it in their own research?
Step 1: Identify the Specimen
The first step to creating a digital plant collection is much like the first step to creating a physical collection: identify the specimen. This can be done by examining leaves, fruits, flowers/blossoms, and/or roots. If collecting a tree branch or vine (such as greenbriar or blackjack oak), you can take a cutting, but if collecting a smaller plant (such as Indian mallow or bladderpod sida), try to get as much of the roots as possible. If you are unsure of a plant, I would recommend posting it on iNaturalist. The app allows the public and researchers to identify plants and animals, and has helped me many times as I have created my plant collections.
If collecting a tree branch or vine (such as greenbriar or blackjack oak), you can take a cutting, but if collecting a smaller plant (such as indian mallow or bladderpod sida), try to get as much of the roots as possible.
Step 2: Storing and Cleaning
After a proper I.D. has been determined, you can either proceed to scanning, or store the specimens for a few days. One storage method is putting a bag of ice in a cooler, putting a piece of cardboard on top to protect the delicate leaves and flowers, and layering the plants on top. Plants can keep for several days this way and be taken out for scanning fresh and ready to use. You may have to replace the ice in the cooler occasionally, however. Prior to scanning, specimens should be cleaned and prepped as they would be for a physical collection. Remove all dead leaves, spent blooms, overcrowded branches, and anything else that may make the specimen unsightly or difficult to identify. Depending on the size of your scanner, you may also need to trim the specimen to size or bend it to fit.
Step 3: Scan and Save
After cleaning, place the plant with leaves face-down on the glass and flowers visible from the scanner’s end. Scan to your computer. If you have a pre-made template (similar to mine as shown below), you can insert the scan as an image and fill in the plant’s information. If you do not have a digital template, you can fill out an index card and scan it along with your specimen. Important items to include are: Plant’s scientific name (Genus species) and common name (if desired), date and location collected, and who collected the plant. Texas Brigades cadets are also taught to add what purpose the plant serves (food, cover, etc.).
Kaitlin Lavender is a Senior from Weatherford, Texas. When she’s not reading, horseback riding, or working with her cattle, she’s teaching her community about Texas Brigades, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that creates conservation leaders by educating youth about natural resources. Kaitlin attended the 19th Battalion of North Texas Buckskin Brigade in July 2021, where she was a member of the Top Herd and was voted Top Cadet by her peers.
NPSOT Plant Collections Policy
Before you go collecting, please be sure to read the Native Plant Society of Texas Plants Collection Policy.
For more great content and upcoming events, be sure to check out the Cross Timbers NPSOT website.
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