The Pl@ntNet platform is reaching a new level of recognition with an interview published by The Conversation. On this occasion, Pierre Bonnet and Alexis Joly take a detailed look back at the origins, uses, and future prospects of this application, which has become an essential tool for plant identification.
Throughout the interview, they emphasize that Pl@ntNet is much more than just a popular mobile app. While it is often seen as a fun and simple way to identify a plant from a photo, it is, above all, a scientific infrastructure powered by millions of contributions. These data now support research on biodiversity, help track species distribution, detect invasive plants, and improve our understanding of phenomena such as pollen-related allergies.
The interview also highlights the challenges the platform faces. Among them are the need to improve coverage in biodiversity-rich yet under-documented tropical regions, as well as the difficulty of fully leveraging such a massive volume of data. The researchers also stress the key role of users, whose active participation—particularly through high-quality, geolocated observations—is essential to advancing research.
Beyond current uses, the discussion also opens up promising perspectives: a better understanding of the effects of climate change on plant life, the identification of new species, and the development of new applications in agriculture and health. All of these directions show that Pl@ntNet is fully embedded in the dynamics of citizen science.
Being featured in a renowned international media outlet such as The Conversation confirms the growing importance of Pl@ntNet within the scientific and technological ecosystem.
