Have you ever come across a plant beautiful during a walk, in the neighbor's garden or even on a nature trail, and you wondered: “What plant is this it?” This doubt is more common than you might think. After all, there are thousands of species spread throughout the world, and we don’t always have enough knowledge to recognize them at first sight.

However, with the help of technology, this mystery can be solved in just a few seconds. Today, all you need to do is take a photo with your cell phone to find out the name, characteristics and even the ideal care for that animal. plant that caught your attention. This has become possible thanks to apps developed especially for this purpose — and two of the most popular are PlantNet and the PictureThis.

Below, you will learn more about how these applications work, what their advantages are and how they can transform your relationship with the world of plants. So, if you are passionate about gardening, botany or simply curious, keep reading and find out how to identify any plant with just one click.

Why identify plants with apps?

Before we talk directly about the apps, it is worth understanding why so many people are turning to these tools. Firstly, the use of apps to identify plants offers convenience. Instead of searching through books or spending hours on online forums, you can get instant answers with just a picture.

Additionally, this type of digital identification stimulates interest in nature and the biodiversity around us. It is an excellent way to learn more about the environment, connect with nature and, in many cases, avoid confusion with toxic or invasive species.

In this way, identifying a plant It’s not just a momentary curiosity — it could be the start of a new hobby, a boost to environmental education, or even a way to better care for the health of your houseplants.

PlantNet: The power of collaborative science to identify plants

O PlantNet is one of the most used applications when it comes to identifying plants by image. Developed by scientists and botanists from institutions around the world, it is based on collaborative science. This means that, in addition to identifying the plants, users also help improve the app's database by submitting their own discoveries.

How does PlantNet work?

Just open the app, take a picture of the plant or select an image from the gallery and wait for analysis. PlantNet then compares the image to its vast botanical database and presents the most likely species, including similar photos, scientific name, habitat and other useful information.

Additionally, you can filter by part type. plant (flower, leaf, fruit, bark) to improve the accuracy of the results. This is especially useful at times of the year when the plant may not be in its most evident form, such as when it is not flowering.

Advantages of PlantNet:

• Free application with no mandatory registration required;
• Scientific and constantly updated database;
• Possibility to contribute with photos and observations;
• Clean and objective interface.

Therefore, the PlantNet It is an excellent option for those looking for a more technical and collaborative approach, but still easy to use and accessible to everyone.

PictureThis: Artificial intelligence at the service of botany

While PlantNet focuses on collective science, PictureThis uses artificial intelligence to identify plants automatically and quickly. The app is aimed at both beginner enthusiasts and more experienced gardeners, offering detailed information about the species and care tips.

How does PictureThis work?

After taking or uploading a photo of the plant, the application analyzes the image through advanced AI algorithms and provides an answer within seconds. The result brings not only the name of the plant, but also curiosities, possible medicinal uses, symbolism, cultivation tips, watering frequency and specific care.

Additionally, PictureThis has a gardening journal where you can save your gardening plants, receive care reminders and monitor their health with alerts about possible pests or diseases.

Advantages of PictureThis:

• Modern and user-friendly interface, with a focus on user experience;
• Complete information on each identified species;
• Extra features for care and monitoring plants;
• Support for dozens of languages.

PictureThis is a great choice for anyone who wants to not only know “what plant is that it?”, but also learn how to take care of it and keep your garden healthy for longer.

Which app to choose to identify plants?

The choice between the PlantNet and the PictureThis depends a lot on your user profile. If you prefer a free app, based on scientific data and with a collaborative proposal, PlantNet is a great choice. If your focus is a more visual application, with AI, gardening features and a database more geared towards domestic and everyday use, PictureThis will be ideal.

Both work very well and can be complementary. In fact, using both can increase the accuracy of identifications and further enrich your experience in the world of plants.

Conclusion

The doubt “that plant is that it?” already has an answer — and it can come in a matter of seconds, directly to your cell phone screen. With apps like PlantNet and PictureThis, species identification has become simple, quick and accessible to anyone, even without advanced knowledge of botany.

Whether for academic use, gardening or simply out of curiosity, these tools show how technology can bring humans closer to nature in an intelligent and practical way. So, the next time you are enchanted by one of these tools, plant unknown, don't hesitate to take out your phone and let science — or artificial intelligence — reveal the name behind that green beauty. 🌿📲