KFRI develops software for trees

 
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) at Peechi has developed a computer-assisted method that will enable the layman to identify various types of trees. Developed by N. Sasidharan, scientist, KFRI, the programme helps to identify a tree based on its vegetative characters like bark colour, surface features, latex, leaf type, arrangement and habitat.Pictures of 85 easily- observable identification characters of trees are provided in the programme. To identify a tree, a person only has to compare it with the pictures of characters listed in the programme. The CD enables a user to identify a tree based on its scientific name or local name. Trees belonging to a genus, family or those occurring in a particular habitat, altitude or locality can also be found out. The major advantage of the programme is that one need not understand the botanical terms essential for identifying plants in other methods. The programme includes 650 trees of Kerala which grow to a height of 5 m or above.
The Minister released another CD on the flowering plants of Kerala, which deals with 4,778 species. The scientific name of the species with author's name and literature, synonyms, local names and habitat are provided, along with flowering and fruiting period. The CD contains more than 4,750 photographs of 2,150 species listed as endemic, red- listed and common garden varieties. Species can be searched by name, synonym, local name, habit or habitat. The exotic species in the state and the number of species in each district can also be found out.

(The Hindu, 16th March , 2007)