Flagging tape is a non adhesive marking ribbon used for surveying, mapping, tagging, roping off areas or any other marking application. For the purpose of phenological monitoring, flagging tape can be used to identify plants, or groups of plants, for regular observation. It can also be used to mark places where animals of interest have been observed. On more robust plants such as full-grown trees, flagging tape can be wrapped around trunks or branches. On younger plants, or where there is no suitable vegetation, a twig or rod is usually inserted in the ground, and the tape is usually applied at the distal end, resembling a conventional pole and 'flag.'