Abstract

Plant awareness is the ability to notice, recognise and appreciate plants, as well as understand their significant roles in ecosystems and in human life. Although plant awareness has been documented in multiple countries, its characteristics vary by region, highlighting the need for more studies in underrepresented areas. This study is the first to assess plant awareness among Chilean secondary school students. Using a perception survey, we evaluated students' interest in plants, recognition of plants as living beings, and sources of plant-related knowledge. The survey included demographic questions (gender, place of residence) and Likert-scale items. Results showed a preference for animals over plants. Students consistently associated animals more strongly with living beings than plants, regardless of their rural or urban background or participation in Environment Education programmes. Gender was the only variable with a significant effect: female students were more likely than males to perceive plants as living organisms. These findings confirm the presence of low plant awareness in Chile and emphasise the importance of addressing it through educational strategies. We propose incorporating both formal and informal pedagogical approaches to foster greater awareness of plant life, promoting a more inclusive understanding of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all living beings.