powo

Plants of the World Online (POWO) is an online database of plant species developed and maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It was created to provide a single, authoritative source for plant names, taxonomic classification, and geographic distribution, aiming to support research, conservation, and education.

POWO consolidates data from Kew’s taxonomic resources, including the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, along with other reputable sources. The database offers records for described plant species and their synonyms, and it presents taxonomic placement from family to genus and species. For many entries, POWO also provides information on global and regional distribution and references to the supporting literature and authorities.

The web interface enables users to search by scientific name, common name, or taxonomic group. Each taxon page typically displays its accepted name, synonyms, taxonomic classification, distribution by country or region, and linked references. Many entries include images or links to imagery where available, helping users visually verify taxa.

POWO serves a broad audience, including researchers, conservationists, educators, and policymakers, by supporting biodiversity studies, conservation assessments, and educational projects. The resource is curated by taxonomic experts and updated on an ongoing basis to reflect new taxonomic understanding and nomenclatural changes.

As part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s biodiversity informatics program, POWO connects with wider global initiatives to improve access to plant information, such as collaborations with other major floras and online taxonomic platforms, to advance the study and preservation of plant diversity.