In a world that is increasingly focused on sustainability and connecting with nature, identifying plants and flowers has become a hobby for many and a necessity for others. Whether for gardening, studying or simply out of curiosity, knowing the flora around us can enrich our experience of the environment. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, there are now apps capable of identifying plants and flowers with just a photo, making this discovery process easier. Here are some of the best plant and flower identification apps available for download worldwide.
PictureThis
PictureThis is one of the most popular plant identification apps, offering a combination of artificial intelligence and a vast database to recognize thousands of plant and flower species. In addition to identification, the app provides detailed information on care and maintenance.
How to use:
- Download PictureThis from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Open the app and take a photo of the plant or flower you want to identify.
- Instantly receive the name and detailed information about the species.
PlantNet
PlantNet is a citizen science project that uses users to submit photos to identify plants. It is a useful tool for both amateurs and professionals in botany, offering a collaborative platform for the study of plant biodiversity.
How to use:
- Install PlantNet from your app store.
- Take a photo of the plant or select an image from your gallery.
- Submit the photo so that the app and its community can help with identification.
Search by iNaturalist
Seek is an extension of the iNaturalist project and offers an interactive experience for exploring nature. In addition to identifying plants and flowers, the app can also recognize insects, animals and fungi, making it a complete tool for nature lovers.
How to use:
- Download Seek from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Open the app and point the camera at the plant you want to identify.
- The app will provide the name and useful information about the species in real time.
Google Lens
While not an app dedicated exclusively to plant identification, Google Lens has powerful image recognition capabilities that allow you to identify a wide range of objects, including plants and flowers.
How to use:
- Google Lens is already built into some Android smartphones or can be accessed through the Google app on iOS devices.
- Open Google Lens and point the camera at the plant or flower.
- Tap the image to allow the app to analyze the photo and provide information about the species.
Flora Incognita
Developed in collaboration between TU Ilmenau and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Flora Incognita is specifically designed for the automatic identification of plants in Central Europe, but its comprehensive database could be useful in a number of regions.
How to use:
- Install Flora Incognita from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Take a photo of the plant you want to identify.
- The app will process the image and provide the scientific name and information about the plant.
Conclusion
Plant and flower identification apps are wonderful tools for anyone who wants to learn more about the flora around them or needs help caring for their garden. Using artificial intelligence and the support of scientific communities and nature enthusiasts, these apps make botany accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of prior knowledge. Whether it’s identifying an unfamiliar flower while hiking or getting tips on caring for the plants in your garden, these apps provide a gateway to the vast green world that surrounds us.
