Community observations

See how a clear photograph and a thoughtful comment can begin a useful conversation.

Contribute an observation Become a contributor

Header photo Reuben C. J. Lim, CC BY-NC-SA

From the community notebook

These fictional examples show the intended community experience. Photographs retain their real creators’ credits.

Aina

Example contributor

Broad leaves and reddish young growth of Dipterocarpus grandiflorus
Reddish young leaves Photo Randi Agusti, CC BY-NC

Dipterocarpaceae

Dipterocarpus grandiflorus

“I would add a wider view of the tree to accompany this close-up of the young leaves. The colour is useful context, but I would keep the identification tentative.”

Fictional contributor and original example comment. Photograph credited above; no real user submission is implied.

Explore the plant

Daniel

Example contributor

Beilschmiedia madang fruits with red stalks
Fruits on red stalks Photo pbsg, CC BY

Lauraceae

Beilschmiedia madang

“The red fruit stalks caught my attention. I would record both ripe and unripe fruit, then compare the details with the botanical reference.”

Fictional contributor and original example comment. Photograph credited above; no real user submission is implied.

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Mei

Example contributor

Yellow Myristica fragrans fruit on a leafy branch
Yellow fruit on a branch Photo Ramesh NG, CC BY-SA

Myristicaceae

Myristica fragrans

“This example shows why the plant name and origin should be recorded separately. A cultivated tree can grow well beyond its native range.”

Fictional contributor and original example comment. Photograph credited above; no real user submission is implied.

Explore the plant

Make your notes useful to the next explorer.

A good note answers the questions a photograph cannot: when you saw the plant, roughly where, and what you noticed that the camera missed, such as a scent, the height of the tree or sap on the bark.

Say what you are unsure about. Other contributors can then focus on the details that matter, and your uncertainty becomes part of the record rather than a hidden error.

Writing a helpful comment

  1. Describe what you saw before suggesting a name.
  2. Mention features the photograph does not show.
  3. State how confident you are.
  4. Link any source you checked.

Words from the notebook

Observation
One plant, seen once, with photographs and notes.
Evidence
The photographs and details that support a name.
Note
Your own words about what you noticed.

Etiquette adapted in our own words from the iNaturalist community guidelines.

What makes a helpful contribution?

A practical observation checklist
Include Why it helps Example
Contributor name Connects the note to its author. A name you choose to share.
Tentative plant name Provides a starting point for comparison. Myristica fragrans, if supported by evidence.
Clear photographs Shows the details behind your observation. A wider view and a leaf close-up.
Comments Records what a photograph cannot show. Date, general location and uncertainty.

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