Arflora: The Development of Plant Identifier using Augmented Reality

Today's youth demonstrate a reduced enthusiasm and knowledge about plants compared to previous generations. This trend is largely influenced by the rise of technology and the pervasive use of mobile devices, contributing to a growing disconnect from nature. This lack of engagement can diminish young people's interest in plants, preventing the younger generation from appreciating the diversity of the natural world and strengthening our connection to it. Moreover, understanding plant species fosters a sense of stewardship toward the environment, encouraging individuals to engage more meaningfully with their surroundings. To address this issue, ARFlora, an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) application, has been developed to combat plant blindness and enhance botanical literacy, particularly among students. Utilising Agile Methodology and advanced technologies such as Unity and Vuforia Engine, ARFlora offers a user-friendly platform for plant identification through image recognition. A questionnaire was administered to 40 young adults at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), to evaluate the application's effectiveness in improving plant recognition skills. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between the use of ARFlora and enhanced plant recognition abilities, underscoring its potential to bridge gaps in plant awareness. Data analysis using the Likert scale and SPSS software, confirms ARFlora's effectiveness in fostering botanical awareness and addressing plant blindness. Overall, this study positions ARFlora as a significant advancement in utilising AR technology to promote plant literacy and environmental education, ultimately encouraging deeper engagement with the natural world.