The Accuracy of Plant Identification in a Longitudinal Ethno Botanical Project in Coastal Ecuador

Kiefer, David; Moscoe, Lauren J.; Buchanan, John R.; Woodward, Catherine

doi:10.4172/2327-5162.1000186

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…A study investigating the accuracy of different techniques of plant identification when botanical specimens cannot be collected found photo vouchers to be the most effective method (Kiefer et al 2015).…”

Section: Utility Of Photographs and Automated Identificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both sets of policy are welcome changes compared to the unregulated landscape that dominated research and plant exchange for centuries, resulting in the destruction of plant populations and the theft of biological resources, often with the result of enriching wealthy nations and furthering colonial aims (Voeks and Greene 2018). Nonetheless, the limitations put in place on the transport of biological materials and the increasingly challenging process of plant collection permitting have undoubtedly also created challenges for ethnobiological research (Kiefer et al 2015). In France, for instance, all ethnobiological research with indigenous groups, even with the strong support of the latter, has been rendered impossible for the last six years by new legislation protecting biological knowledge and resources.…”

Section: Issues With Plant Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Gómez-Bellver et al (2019) list documentation of large species, succulent and/or spiny plants, toxic plants, withered plants and plants that once pressed and dried lose morphological traits as major advantages of photography as type material. A study investigating the accuracy of different techniques of plant identification when botanical specimens cannot be collected found photo vouchers to be the most effective method (Kiefer et al 2015).…”

Section: Proposing An Alternative: Photo Vouchers In Ethnobotanymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

To Pick or Not to Pick: Photographic Voucher Specimens as an Alternative Method to Botanical Collecting in Ethnobotany

Greene

Teixidor‐Toneu

Odonne

2023

Journal of Ethnobiology

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The identification of plants according to the Linnaean system of taxonomy is a cornerstone of ethnobotany, allowing the discipline to be a comparative science. To accomplish plant identification, ethnobotanists have long relied on the collection of voucher specimens and their deposition in herbaria. Here we critically analyze the role of botanical collecting in ethnobotany and bring attention to a range of issues that can complicate, and sometimes hamper, the practice. In lieu of traditional herbarium specimens, the collection of photographic vouchers and their deposition in digital repositories is proposed as an alternative method for ethnobotanical research. The ever-improving quality and ubiquity of smartphone cameras, photographic citizen science applications like Pl@ntnet and iNaturalist, and deep learning techniques of automated photo identification are discussed as elements that are contributing to a slow revolution in the role of digital data in the field sciences. Guidelines for when plant herbarium specimens versus photographic vouchers should be considered required are laid out. Although botanical collecting will doubtless and with good reason remain a foundational practice in ethnobotany, we present the use of photographic vouchers as a valid, scientifically rigorous and, in some situations, preferred method of identification.

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Section: Utility Of Photographs and Automated Identificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Issues With Plant Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%