Tree identification database

[RobArb]

If you could have access to an online tree database or phone app that enabled or assisted you in adentifying a tree, what would you want it to include?

 

and i don't mean a database or app that identifies it for you, just one to help in the search

[janey]

Do you mean what picures, ident' features and text that would be viewable, or what search options / key we could use?

[RobArb]

so for example, leaf shape/size, winter twig and bark but a lot more in depth

 

as for search options do you find it better searching for ident features like in the fungi directory or using a dichotomous key

 

there are a number of website/databases/apps out there at the moment but a lot tend to be for north america, i have found a few decent UK ones but each is different by way of information that can be viewed

 

i would like to create the ultimate database of trees for the UK and europe that would one day include the trees complete ecosystem (big task but do think its possible)

[RobArb]

basically, how much info would be enough without making it obselete for the layman, but have enough info for an arb??

[janey]

I've got to get ready for work now , but I'll be back with a whole list of what I would like to see from and ident' database

[RobArb]

i've got a good idea of what I would like to see too, but i would stilll mmmmmm.......

 

lightbulb:lol:

Edited May 12, 2011 by RobArb

[janey]

My wish list, if you would be a good chap and whip up a data base just for me.

 

photos rather than diagrams of the following with a text description:

 

mature tree shown summer and winter (if applicable)

bark, immature and mature

summer and winter twig and bud (if applicable)

upper and underside of leaf

several different leaves to show natural varience

male and female flowers (if applicable)

developing and ripening fruit

cross section of stem

key ident' features

 

rare spp and cvs described

all spp in each genus listed, if not actually descibed

geographical origin

 

 

A brief description of these would also be handy:

 

general indication of mature dimensions

longevity

water uptake

soil pH and type tolerance

stress / drought / flood tolerance

commonaly associated P&D

uses

 

I'm sure I'll think of more, probably at some stupid time like gone one in the morning

[RobArb]

And therein lies the problem, I have always wanted to do a database as in depth as that (there are only one or two things on your list that aren't on mine ) but does that then make it obselete for the general public? Especially if I want to take it further in depth by going into diseases and fungal relationships etc etc... Or should I keep it technical and aim it purely at the arb market?

 

Search wise, just a free standing database with feature searches or a dichotomous key search?

[janey]

... but does that then make it obselete for the general public?

 

I don't think it would. The reasons why people would be using your fine new datbase would be quite similar, ie, they've found a tree and they don't know what is is. If all the basic info is there and easily viewable and digestable, it would then be up to the reader if they then wanted to go further in depth with any additional info.

 

I would love a site that combines tree ident and P&D as I could be lazy and not have to toggle between several web pages. I bet the average amateur would love it as well for the same reason.

 

So what's on your list then? I've shown you mine, it's only fair that you now show me yours

 

(And if I knew what a dichotonmous thingy was, I'd comment on it ).

[RobArb]

a dichotomous key is a set of questions that when you answer one question it takes you down that route eliminating all other options, another question is asked and so on ond so forth till the answer is given

 

for example the first question could be (its not:lol:) are the leaves opposite or alternate, if alternate was selected it would eliminate all opposite leaved trees from the possible answers, the next question could be are the leaves compound or pinnate, if pinnate was selected, again all the compounds are eliminated until one tree remains

 

its not always the most accurate method due to variations within species and habitat growth, but for a basic list it usually does the trick and is simple to use when the questions are supplied with pictures

 

 

My list so far contains (all will have pictures wherever possible to support)

 

Common Name/s and Latin Name

Classification and family and genera etc(common and latin)

Any common recognisable features (if appropriate)

Frequency/origin/distribution

Bark (young and old)

Form (young, old and seasons)

height/girth/spread when mature (on average)

Twigs and buds (seasons)

Fruit

Leaves/needles (upper and under)

Flower (male, female)

Spray and positioning of leaves/needles

all generas listed

resistance and succeptability to diseases and diseases/fungi commonly associated with

poisonous or not (although probably most trees are to some extent:biggrin:)

age tree can get to

Uses and interesting facts

 

and a glossary of botanical terms

 

 

I hadn't thought of these that you have so kindly pointed out:blush:, they are great ideas thanks

 

 

several different leaves to show natural varience

developing and ripening fruit

cross section of stem

water uptake

soil pH and type tolerance

stress / drought / flood tolerance

 

i've got till next september when i start year 2 of uni (personal target) to build this thing then god knows how long its going to take me to populate it but hopefully i think it will be worth it. would also like to turn it into a phone app too but don't know if this will possible yet

 

 

i do thank you for your input janey (as you seem to be the only one haha) and hope others get involved too:thumbup: