Rationale Report

Alternative Solution 1 is the process we currently utilize. This involves pressing only the part of the plant that appears above the ground in the wild, with whatever features naturally appear on the particular specimen. It results in each Riker Box being more organized because there is less to display. The Riker box does not appear cluttered. This makes plant collections more efficient because we do not spend time digging up roots or collecting flowers, buds or burrs from neighboring specimen. However, this design lacks specific details and therefore may lack accuracy. This solution satisfies our time restraints but is not the best solution because it is not the most informative for our viewers.

The Cocklebur specimen exemplifies
Alternative Solution 2

Alternative Solution 2 is the solution which involves pressing extra features from two or more specimen in the same Riker Box. Displaying the features off to the side of the box gives the viewer the advantage of seeing more than one angle of features such as flowers, berries, buds or burrs. Larger features provide the viewer with greater detail. This will make the plant easier for the viewer to recognize in the wild. This solution results in more informative and identifiable specimen. However, pressing plants in this manner is labor-intensive. Organizing the features in the Riker box demands a great level of skill and expertise from our team. As we become better at pressing plants, this solution seems to be the best solution for our Herbarium. 

Alternative Solution 3 is the solution which involves pressing all parts of the plant: above-ground and underground. This results in the specimen being more accurate because all parts of the plant are displayed. This is a more informative solution because the roots and underground portion of the plant may give clues to the viewer about other aspects of the plant. However, this solution also involves altering the collection process. In order to put this solution into effect, the plants must be dug out of the ground rather than clipped at the base of their stem. After collecting the plant in the field, the roots must be cleaned. Our time restraints prevent this solution from being practical.