The community / shared curiosity
See how a clear photograph and a thoughtful comment can begin a useful conversation.
These fictional examples show the intended community experience. Photographs retain their real creators’ credits.
Dipterocarpaceae
“I would add a wider view of the tree to accompany this close-up of the young leaves. The colour is useful context, but I would keep the identification tentative.”
Fictional contributor and original example comment. Photograph credited above; no real user submission is implied.
Explore the plant ↗
Lauraceae
“The red fruit stalks caught my attention. I would record both ripe and unripe fruit, then compare the details with the botanical reference.”
Fictional contributor and original example comment. Photograph credited above; no real user submission is implied.
Explore the plant ↗
Myristicaceae
“This example shows why the plant name and origin should be recorded separately. A cultivated tree can grow well beyond its native range.”
Fictional contributor and original example comment. Photograph credited above; no real user submission is implied.
Explore the plant ↗A beginner’s field companion
You do not need to name every plant before you start exploring. Begin with a clear observation and follow the classification trail at your own pace. This guide deliberately keeps its collection small: every family connects to two genera, and every genus connects to two species. Those counts describe this website’s selection, not the total diversity of the families.
Use the photographs as reference material. A close-up may show a fruit, a leaf, or a preserved herbarium specimen; the caption tells you who made the image. The original botanical source appears beside the description so you can examine the evidence and read beyond our summary. Regional ranges describe published distributions, not the location where a reference photograph was taken.
Naming reference: International Association for Plant Taxonomy . Field workflow is original project guidance.
| Include | Why it helps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contributor name | Connects the note to its author. | A name you choose to share. |
| Tentative plant name | Provides a starting point for comparison. | Myristica fragrans, if supported by evidence. |
| Clear photographs | Shows the details behind your observation. | A wider view and a leaf close-up. |
| Comments | Records what a photograph cannot show. | Date, general location and uncertainty. |
Already registered? Open the Contribution Form . New here? Start with registration . Account authentication and storage belong to the later project phase.