Plants of the World Online (POWO)
Global plant taxonomy and distribution database
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
Plants of the World Online is an open-access digital resource that provides authoritative information on the world’s known plant species. Managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the platform consolidates taxonomic data, plant descriptions, distribution of information and nomenclature into a single global reference. It supports research, policy, conservation, and education by offering standardized and curated plant knowledge.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
Plants of the World Online operates as a web-based digital database supported by centralized data infrastructure. The platform aggregates botanical data from Kew’s collections and collaborating institutions and delivers searchable species profiles through an online interface. Data are curated and updated by taxonomic experts and made accessible through a publicly available website.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The platform serves researchers, taxonomists, educators, policymakers and other users seeking authoritative information on plant species. It is used by academic institutions, public authorities and private sector actors for research, biodiversity assessment, conservation planning and reference purposes, providing a standardized source of plant taxonomic and distribution data.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
Plants of the World Online is provided as a fully open-access resource supported by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and its institutional funding and partnerships. The platform does not charge users for access and is designed to function as a public scientific reference resource.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
As of January 2026, The platform consolidates 1 442 000 global plant names, 530 400 detailed descriptions, and 493 900 images, improving access to reliable plant data used in research, conservation planning and agricultural decision support.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
Desangosse; M2i Life Sciences; Atens; Ecoorganic; BKT Tires; Essedielle Enologia; Menikini; Meksis; Capp Plast; Cofilea; Tellarini; Grupo Sanz; Italfil; Kekkilä Professional; Trefinos; MenCarelli Pompes; Vinpilot; PMH Vinicole; Bicchi; Deusanio; Fine; Tensid-Chemie; Fermentis; Pera Pellenc; General Plastics; Linz Electric; Moog; Lancman; Tapi Group; Naturo Kork; Agricola Italiana; Key; Garden Natura; Espiroflex; Bomet; Norsk Wax; Timagri; Tlirr; Daros; Inderst; Simzor; Moriluigi; Celli; Landini; Hardi; Agrofer; Cordeks; Bertima; Grimme; Dekalb Asgrow Delta Pine; Teta Tohumculuk; Genome Seeds; Gripple; Cora Seeds; Enolandia; Softnw; La Nuova Sansone; Braun Maschinenbau; Amazone; Projet Active Aftersales; Posviman; Whailex; UPL; Step Systems; Freund Victoria; Mantis ULV; Grifo Marchetti; Seguin-Moreau; Pall; Pessl Instruments; Irritec; Pellenc; Felco; Nunhems; Aglukon; Agro Stulln; Lemken; IQV Agro; KWS; Saatbau; CLAAS Georgia; Yara; Bayer Crop Science
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better life
