The best apps to identify unknown plants and flowers
There are hundreds of thousands of different plant and flower varieties in the world, meaning it takes a special kind of knowledge to differentiate your Dracula simia (or 'Monkey Face Orchid') from your Rafflesia keithii (or 'Corpse Flower').
Luckily, modern technology has the ability to retain and process databases more comprehensive than any individual could manage alone. With every plant and flower you've ever heard of searchable within seconds, plant identifier apps turn your smartphone from handy to horticulturalist in just a few clicks.
Often find yourself wondering what wild wonders are decorating the world around you? Here is our list of the best plant identifying apps currently available:
1. PlantSnap
The PlantSnap app makes identifying and buying a doddle. First take a photograph of the plant, then the app will do its best to recognise it. Once recognised, it will give details of name, care information and even where/when it must be planted. Here's the clever bit... once you've found out what your mystery plant is, you can then buy it through the app from one of their HTA certified nurseries. The PlantSnap app is available from Android and Apple.
2. FlowerChecker
The FlowerChecker app uses real botanists to identify unknown plants, moss, fungus and even lichen, perhaps therefore making it the most accurate of the apps. Available from the App Store and for Android.
3. Plantifier
Available from the App store and for Android, Plantifier employs a team of people from mygarden.org, who help to identify unknown plants.
4. Leafsnap
Developed by the University of Maryland, Smithsonian Institute and Columbia University, Leafsnap identifies tree species from their leaves. For the UK app, Leafsnap has partnered with the Natural History Museum in order to create a bank of images and to help with identifying tricky trees. Available from the App store.
5. iPflanzen
Rather than using photographs to recognise plants/flowers, iPflanzen requires you to enter criteria such as leaf shape or fruit colour in order to figure out the mystery. In conjunction with their other apps - iGarten and iForest - extremely detailed and interesting information can easily be found.
6. Google Lens
Although not directly plant-related, Google Lens works via the user taking a photograph, and if the app recognises what is in the picture, it will offer up suggestions and information of what it may be.
7. Garden Compass
Garden Compass not only helps you identify plants, pests and diseases but prompts you with monthly care reminders so you can look after all garden-related needs in one place. It's like having horticulturists in your pocket.
To browse our selection of plants visit gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk.
