Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden will expand eFloras, a Web portal that enables researchers working in natural areas to interact with core botanical data, determine plant identifications, and record research observations. This eFloras enhancement project will develop a standard natural history schema, integrate digital tools, develop options for personal electronics, and provide an opportunity to investigate and catalog natural history resources. This project will improve collection and dissemination of natural history data and biodiversity. An enhanced eFloras Web portal will serve as a model for all natural history disciplines, improve the collaborative collection of data, and increase availability of this information to a scientific audience. Dissemination will be through blogs, presentations, an electronic mailing list, and on the project’s Web site.