Application to identify plants

Plant identification is a skill desired by many gardening enthusiasts, nature lovers and botanical professionals. Thanks to modern technology, this task has become more accessible than ever with the availability of apps designed specifically for this purpose.

These applications use artificial intelligence and extensive databases to help users quickly identify species of plants, flowers, trees and even fungi. In this article, we'll explore some of the best apps for plant identification, highlighting their key features and what makes them useful for botany lovers of all levels.

PictureThis

PictureThis is an app highly acclaimed for its accuracy and ease of use in plant identification. Using image recognition technology, users can take a photo of a plant, and the app quickly provides detailed information about the species, including necessary care, possible pests and diseases, and interesting facts. PictureThis is a great tool for both amateur and professional botanists, offering a rich library and valuable insights into a wide range of species.

PlantSnap

PlantSnap is another popular app that allows users to identify plants, flowers, trees, mushrooms, and more from anywhere in the world. With a database covering more than 600,000 species, PlantSnap stands out for its comprehensiveness. The app also encourages users to contribute to its community by sharing their discoveries and helping to further expand the plant database.

Seek by iNaturalist

Developed by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, Seek is an educational platform that encourages exploration of the biodiversity around us. In addition to identifying plants, the app also recognizes animals, insects, and fungi, making it a versatile tool for any outdoor adventure. Seek is particularly loved by families and educators as it promotes learning and curiosity about the natural world in an interactive and fun way.

Google Lens

While not exclusively a plant identification app, Google Lens has the ability to recognize a wide range of objects, including plants and flowers. Using Google's powerful visual search, users can simply point their smartphone's camera at a plant, and Google Lens delivers relevant information pulled from the web. This is an excellent tool for quick identifications and for obtaining a variety of online resources and information about the species in question.

Flora Incognita

Specially designed for plant identification in Europe, Flora Incognita is a collaborative project between the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry and the Technical University of Ilmenau. The app allows users to identify plants easily, providing not only the species name but also detailed information about the plant's ecology and protection. Flora Incognita is a valuable tool for research and conservation, promoting awareness of local biodiversity.

Conclusion

Plant identification apps are wonderful tools for expanding our knowledge of the plant kingdom and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Whether you're a gardener wanting to learn more about the plants in your yard, a hiker exploring the flora of a new trail, or a professional looking for detailed information about specific species, there's an app to suit your needs. With the help of these technologies, the natural world is at our fingertips, encouraging discovery, education and conservation of the biodiversity around us.