I was an AI skeptic — until I started using it to identify plants
Can AI replace a seasoned gardener’s eye? I put it to the test.
A gardening enthusiast once dismissed artificial intelligence (AI) as unreliable for plant identification, but a recent visit to Arundel Castle and Gardens in the U.K. changed their perspective. Upon discovering a mysterious bloom, the individual turned to AI for help, using free apps on their smartphone. After taking a clear photo of the plant in question, they uploaded the image to Google Gemini, an AI-powered tool designed to identify plants.
Within seconds, the AI provided a detailed response, identifying the plant as Cleome hassleriana, also known as the spider flower. The AI described the plant's distinctive features, such as its bright pink flowers with long thread-like stamens, and offered care tips. The identification process proved quick and accurate, leaving the gardening skeptic convinced that AI could be a reliable companion for plant identification.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
