Request an identification

If you have plant material that requires identification, samples will need to be submitted to our identifications botanists. Fees apply for this service.

Standard jobs may take up to six weeks, however, urgent jobs can be undertaken at additional cost.

In all cases it is important to discuss your ID requirements with the Identification Botanist on (03) 9252 2315 prior to sending in material. 

Large batches of specimens (ten or more) will not be accepted without prior arrangement made with the Identification Botanist. All submitted materials should be appropriately collected and prepared.

Fungi

For fungi identification please contact the mycologist on duty via our Reception (03 9252 2300). Fungus specimens should only be sent following prior arrangement with the mycologist on duty.

Important information about poisonous fungi is available on our edible and poisonous fungi page. For all enquiries about fungi poisoning, contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 1126), or dial 000 in an emergency.

Fees

A standard job taking less than 15 minutes will cost $33.50, or $46.00 if an invoice is required. A job taking more than 15 minutes will cost $174.00/hour on a pro rata basis.

Urgent jobs may take up to 10 working days to complete after receipt of material. Urgent jobs taking less than 15 minutes will cost $61.00, or $73.50 if an invoice is required. Those jobs taking more than 15 minutes will cost $244.00 per hour on a pro rata basis.

Urgent work can only be undertaken by prior arrangement between the client and an Identifications Botanist. Please call (03) 9252 2315 to discuss your needs.

All fees are exclusive of GST.

Payment

For identifications made in person, payments are made to the Identifications Botanist at the time of the service. In person service is currently unavailable owing to Covid-safe working practices.

All other work must be invoiced, including identifications of all materials received through the mail. Please note that we do not accept payment in advance.

The Identifications Botanist may waive or reduce charges if the material received is of benefit to the collections of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, for instance new records of native plants or weeds.

All rates include the time taken in the preparation of specimens prior to identification and the time taken for all communication.