Edinburgh Napier University

  A model for improving the storage and communication of plant descriptions is presented. The model is flexible and yet reduces the ambiguity often present in text descriptions. The fundamental idea behind the model is the necessity for clear representation of the meaning of each term used within a description. The model therefore emphasises the assignment of definitions to all taxonomic terms used. This approach will eventually provide a more objective way of expressing plant descriptions that supports their comparison without making assumptions on the semantics of the terms used.