FloraDex

Inspiration

We were inspired to build this project because we believe in the importance of planetary awareness and the role each of us can play in protecting our environment. With the effects of global warming becoming more visible every day, we want to encourage people to slow down, notice the plants around them, and reconnect with nature. By blending technology with exploration, our goal is to raise awareness of biodiversity while making the experience fun and engaging.

What it does

Our app uses the Pl@ntNet API* to identify plants that users encounter in their daily lives. Once a plant is recognized, the app educates the user by displaying its name and details, then stores it in a personal inventory. Over time, this inventory becomes a collection of discovered plants, encouraging users to learn more about the biodiversity around them.

How we built it

We built this app using React Native with Expo, which allowed us to create a cross-platform experience that runs seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices.

Challenges we ran into

Mobile app development was completely new to our team. Learning the structure, navigation, and flow of files in React Native/Expo was a challenge, but through collaboration and persistence we were able to adapt and build a working product.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Integrating the Pl@ntNet API and helping bring more awareness to people of the plants around them Being able to learn how to make an app

What we learned

We’re especially proud of successfully integrating the Pl@ntNet API and turning it into an engaging user experience. Beyond the technical milestone, we’re excited that our app can help raise awareness of the plants around us and foster a closer connection to nature.

What's next for FloraDex

Rarity system – classify plants by how common or rare they are, giving users points for unique finds. Friends and social features – allow users to connect, share their inventories, and showcase their rarest plants. Community challenges – tasks like “collect 5 new plants this week” to encourage exploration and learning together.