Flora Incognita

Identifying wild plants and fungi from photos

Flora Incognita is a plant and fungus identifier that works from a photo taken outdoors. You photograph a specimen and the app returns its name, using an AI image recognition model that the developer says also works on plants that are not yet in flower.

It suits people who want names for what they see on walks, including anyone learning local flora.

Fact sheets and a personal observation list

Once a species is identified, the app opens a fact sheet about it. Each find is saved to an observation list, and maps show where every plant was recorded.

Over time the list and the maps show which species you have found and where, so your record of local plants builds up the more you use it.

Research behind the app and how your finds are used

The app is free and has no advertising. It is run as part of a scientific research project at Technische Universität Ilmenau that aims to support nature conservation.

The observations collected through the app feed research questions, such as the spread of invasive species and the effects of climate change on biotopes.

Project news and stories on nature

The app carries regular stories from the project. They cover news about the research, insights into the scientific work, and what is currently happening in nature.