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More and more people are becoming interested in gardening, plants and botany in general. But it is true that it is not always easy to know the names of plants or to know their characteristics just by seeing them. Fortunately, technology has brought a practical and accessible solution to this curiosity: with just a few clicks, you can identify plants and flowers directly from your smartphone. There are specialized plant recognition apps that are useful for both amateurs and experts. In this article, we will explore three of the best plant identification apps: iNaturalist, PictureThis and PlantNet. With these apps, you can figure out the name of any plant in a matter of seconds and learn more about the world around you.
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Why Use Apps to Identify Plants?
First of all, it is worth understanding why applications for identify plants have become so popular. These apps offer a quick and convenient way to find out information about plants that you encounter on your walks, in your garden, or even inside your home. In addition, many of these apps provide detailed information about the habitat, characteristics, and care requirements of each plant. And best of all, they are easy to use and allow you to connect with nature in a practical and fun way. So, if you are someone who is curious about plants and want to learn more, read on to learn about some of the best plant identification apps available.
iNaturalist: Identify Plants and Collaborate with the Scientific Community
iNaturalist is one of the apps to identify plants most popular, mainly because of its connection to the scientific community. Created in partnership with National Geographic and the California Academy of Sciences, iNaturalist allows you to identify plants and flowers and share your discoveries with researchers and other nature enthusiasts.
Accurate Identification with Artificial Intelligence
First, iNaturalist offers advanced image recognition technology that uses artificial intelligence to identify plants, flowers, insects, and more. When you take a photo, the app compares the image to its extensive database and offers suggestions for similar species. While the app can get it wrong in some cases, it also suggests alternative species, helping you confirm the identification with accuracy.
Connection with the Scientific Community
One of the biggest advantages of iNaturalist is the ability to share your observations with the scientific community. Once you identify plants, you can publish your findings, which are then available to researchers and other members of the community. This not only helps you confirm your identification, but also contributes to scientific knowledge. Observations made on iNaturalist are often used in environmental studies and projects, making the app an excellent tool for learning and contributing to science.
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Extra Features and Totally Free
iNaturalist is completely free to use and offers a number of additional features, such as a species map, which allows you to see which plants have been found in different geographic areas. This way, you can explore the world around you and discover plants and animals from different regions. With this collaborative approach, iNaturalist not only allows you to identify plants, but also allows you to participate in a global network of learning and exploration.
PictureThis: Quick Plant Identification and Care Guides
Another fantastic app for those who want identify plants is PictureThis. With a fast and easy-to-use interface, it is ideal for those who want to identify plant and flower species in a practical and intuitive way. In addition, PictureThis provides complete information on plant care, making it an excellent option for gardeners and plant lovers.
Instant Recognition
PictureThis uses advanced image recognition technology to identify plants in seconds. Simply take a photo of the plant or flower you want to identify, and the app will analyze the image and display the name of the plant, along with a detailed description. This is ideal for those looking for convenience and quick answers. In addition, PictureThis has an extensive and up-to-date database of thousands of species, which increases the accuracy of identification.
Plant Care and Tips
In addition to helping you identify plants, PictureThis provides guidance on how to care for each species. With the app, you can find out the specific needs of each plant in terms of watering, light, pruning, and temperature. This is especially useful for those who have plants at home and want to know how to keep them healthy and beautiful. In this way, PictureThis not only answers your curiosity about the name of a plant, but also helps you keep it in optimal condition.
Premium Features and Access
PictureThis offers a free version, but also has a premium option that gives you access to more features. The paid version includes even more detailed guidance, as well as disease monitoring and pest alerts. So if you want more comprehensive monitoring, PictureThis Premium is an excellent choice.
PlantNet: Identify Plants with Expert Collaboration
Last but not least, we have PlantNet, one of the apps to identify plants more complete and focused on scientific collaboration. With a similar proposal to iNaturalist, PlantNet stands out for its focus on wild plants and its connection with a community of experts.
Database-Based Identification of Research
PlantNet uses a database built with the help of universities and research centers around the world. This database provides information on thousands of plant species, which makes the app a reliable and accurate tool. When you take a photo of a plant, the app compares it with the images in its database, suggesting the most similar species. This makes identifying plants quick and efficient.
Contribution to Science
Another unique feature of PlantNet is that it encourages user participation in building a scientific database. Every time you identify a plant, you can share your observation with the app community, contributing to the mapping and study of species in different regions. This way, you not only learn about the plant, but also help expand scientific knowledge about biodiversity.
Totally Free and No Account Required
PlantNet is completely free and does not require registration, which makes access even simpler and more direct. In addition, the app has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, which makes the identification process very pleasant. This way, you can explore the nature around you and learn more about it without any complications.
Which Plant Identification App Should You Choose?
With so many options, choosing the ideal plant identification app depends on your needs and preferences. iNaturalist is excellent for those who want to contribute to science and connect with a global community. On the other hand, PictureThis is ideal for those looking for speed and detailed guidance on plant care, being a great choice for gardeners and indoor plant lovers. PlantNet stands out for its focus on wild plants and the possibility of contributing to scientific knowledge, being perfect for explorers and nature enthusiasts.
Regardless of the app you choose, you will be increasingly prepared to identify plants and flowers around you with ease and precision. These apps allow you to explore and learn about the environment in an accessible and educational way, connecting you with nature in a unique and enriching way. Choose the app that best suits what you are looking for and enjoy every walk, hike or moment in the garden to discover the fascinating world of plants!