Computer Technology for the Future of SW Asiatic Botany

Authors: R. J. PANKHURST

Abstract: Much computer software already exists for floristic and monographic studies. Database software can hold all the data required for a Flora, and can process it much more accurately. The fundamental data tables are those for names, authorities, people, specimens, bibliography, geography and distribution. To these can be added other data such as descriptions, keys, images, maps, chromosomes and vernacular names. The same data system can be used for collection management and making herbarium labels. It is very important to use data standards such as for books, journals and authorities. Computerised descriptions and keys can also be constructed and held in the database. Data from the Flora of Turkey will be used to demonstrate the PANDORA database and PANKEY software.

Keywords: Flora of Turkey, databases for plants, taxonomic databases, PANDORA taxonomic database, PANEKY identification software

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