Where to Buy

Android – Google Play Store

 

iOS – Apple iTunes

 

This rainforest plant identification app for mobile phones and tablets is based on the popular interactive computer keys and mobile app previously published and the earlier Red and Green Books.

Authors: Gwen Harden, Hugh Nicholson, Bill McDonald, Nan Nicholson, Terry Tame and John Williams

 

This 2nd edition Rainforest Plants of Australia – Rockhampton to Victoria covers rainforest species that occur on mainland Australia, south of Rockhampton and has been substantially revised and updated.

This app is based on the interactive computer key (distributed as a USB (2014) and as a desktop app (2024) and as a mobile app in 2016). It covers 1,156 species. Each keyed with its own fact sheet describing the plant and where it grows, along with a plate of line drawings and usually 7 coloured photos. The app includes c. 8,000 coloured photos and thousands of line drawings to assist in the recognition and identification of the species.

• Features used for identification in the key include leaf, flower, fruit, seed and bark
• Additional features include geographic distribution, rainforest type, plant status and plant family
• Covers mainland eastern Australia, south of Rockhampton through N.S.W. and Victoria
• Coastal rainforest types to drier inland vine thickets
• Keys out and describes 1156 species of trees, shrubs, mistletoes and climbing plants
• Includes over 70 name changes for species, as well as family name changes
• Covers 1061 native species, of which 206 are listed as Rare and Threatened
• Includes 106 species naturalized in rainforest, of which 33 are listed as ‘declared noxious weeds’
• Can be downloaded to more than one mobile device with the same email address
• The How to use section takes you through the main features of the app and how to use the key
• Hints on identifying rainforest plants – an illustrated section to assist users not familiar with identifying rainforest plants
• This interactive, illustrated key is powered by Lucid

This app will enable everyone who is interested in conserving rainforests and learning more about rainforests and rainforest species, from professionals to those who are not familiar with the use of keys or botanical terminology. This app will enable you to have this powerful identification key and information system in your pocket at all times.

Home screen with the main headings; starting the key and list of species remaining

To commence the keying out process, click on the START IDENTIFICATION bar on the Home screen. At first a small number of features are displayed, including GROWTH FORM & HABIT, click on this heading and the various states (shown above) will be displayed. Click on the habit of the plant and fleetingly a bar towards the bottom of the screen will show how many species discarded and how many remain. To check on the species remaining swipe the screen and they are listed. To access any of the fact sheets for these species, click on the name; if you the click on the image next to the name only the images can be viewed.

Features selected screen, Species remaining and Status screen listing additional functions

Continue keying out, choosing features and states that are visible on your plant. Note features can be used in any order (once you have clicked the plants habit, GROWTH FORM, or used features on SPECIES DISTRIBUTION or TAXON INFORMATION).

Features used to key this plant out:

1. Growth form (Feature 1)
2. Habit of tree or shrub (Feature 2)
3. Colour of fruit (Feature 130)
4. Leaves – arrangement and type (Feature 32)

After these 4 selections, 2 species remain. To complete the identification you can peruse the images and information in the Fact sheets of the remaining species, or, you can use one of the functions listed on the STATUS screen (to access this screen click the icon on the LHS of the top banner). Click FIND BEST or DIFFERENCES and information will be displayed to assist in separating the remaining species. These functions are particularly useful if about 4 to 10 species remain; if you can’t decide on the first options displayed when using these functions, try again and other features will be suggested.

The heading, SESSIONS on the STATUS screen, enables the keying out process to be saved until one has more time or information to complete the process. The Glossary can be accessed from this screen.

Fact sheet of Pittosporum kororense; image of fruit; enlarged image of fruit

Each fact sheet describes the diagnostic features of habit, leaves, flowers and fruit, its geographic distribution and whether the species is native or introduced and whether it is listed as rare or threatened in any of the states. Each fact sheet includes line drawings and coloured photos of general and detailed features used in the identification process. You can enlarge any of the images by tapping on them. You can further enlarge part of the images by pinch-spreading.

General sections can be accessed by clicking on the bars on the HOME SCREEN. These include how to use the key, hints on identifying rainforest plants, index of scientific and common names (listed separately), illustrated glossary, information on authors etc.

More detailed information on rainforest, rainforest types, rainforest distribution and Myrtle Rust can be accessed from the Rainforest Information bar.

Rainforest Information screen; features of rainforest trees; Cool-temperate Rainforest screen

Feature 156 – Geographic distribution; Distribution of rainforest; Myrtle Rust information

The Geographic distribution of species can be used as a feature in the keying out of a plant (see Feature 156). It can also be used in producing lists of all the rainforest plants within that area or for lists of species listed as Rare and Threatened etc. More detailed maps can be viewed by clicking on an area in this map. A new section is included on Myrtle Rust and the impact it is having on native species.

The advantages of having this app on your phone:

• Once installed an internet connection not required
• All images downloaded when app installed
• Great for fieldwork as key and info is available at all times
• Parts of images can be enlarged by pinch-spreading
• The indexes and search facility enable you to search on part or full names
• ‘Session’ function enables you to save and reload unfinished identifications
• Readily transferred to your new phone or tablet when you upgrade your device
• Can be downloaded to more than one device with the same email address
• Try it, soon you won’t be able to live without it!

Screenshots: © Gwen Harden
Splash screen & icon: Fitzalania bidwillii