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Re: creating online plant database




Just a few thoughts
Important to know what you're setting the data base up for - who'll be 
using & why & how comprehensive it needs to be. A simple DB for home use 
is different to something for designers generally
Suggest you look at the classifications/fields of the Tropical fruits 
compendium (Max Lindegger & Robert Tap)
I made a DB some years ago for a job in Bali also included included 
stacking STRATA as a field (had 5-7 forest stratas)
Also 'USES' can become unwieldly with too many diverse entries, found it 
more manageable if divided into: 
FUNCTIONS
YEILDS
OTHER USES

Also included EDIBLE PARTS as separate field as some plants can have both 
toxic & edible components e.g. yam bean (jicama) has poisonous seeds 
containing rotenone but a deliciously edible tuber

I'm wary of rampancy/noxious classifications for wide-use DB's as these 
factors can vary so much place to place depending on soil, climate and 
other factors - also need to know why they're  'noxious' - in Australia 
there are many declared noxious plants are not a problem other than 
cattle or sheep don't like eating them. A noxious weed in one area can be 
an endangered native somewhere else.
Robyn


Djanbung Gardens Permaculture Education Centre
home to: 
Permaculture Education
ERDA Institute Trust
Nimbin Eco-Village Project Office
Robyn Francis - permaculture designer & educator
PO Box 379, Nimbin NSW 2480 Australia
Ph 02-6689 1755 Fax 02-6689 1225
permed@nor.com.au  www.earthwise.org.au