Data & Attribution

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

The core taxonomic backbone, raw lifeform classifications, and baseline climate data are provided by the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).

Note on Modifications: SilvaGrid has modified the original WCVP dataset. SilvaGrid uses custom algorithmic mapping to translate raw botanical data into practical Plant Types and to standardize climate descriptions into macroclimate categories.

• Source: WCVP v15 Darwin Core Archive (2026-01-07)
• Citation: WCVP. World Checklist of Vascular Plants. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• Copyright: © Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• License: Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 3.0 License.

Collection Data Profiles

For the Trees collection, SilvaGrid produces the groupings, calculations and Narrative from the credited data. These summaries and interpretations are SilvaGrid's work; they are not written or endorsed by WCVP.

• Total taxa: all distinct matching accepted entries in the visitor catalogue, including eligible hybrids and infraspecific entries such as subspecies and varieties. The totals describe the complete list, independently of sorting, result pages or search-engine indexing approvals. The overall genus and family totals also describe this full list.
• Species represented: each accepted non-hybrid species represented by a matching species record or a matching infraspecific record counts once, using verified parent relationships. A species can be represented even when its species-rank record does not match the collection.
• Hybrid and infraspecific counts: source-classified hybrids remain in Total taxa but are excluded from species comparisons. The separately labelled non-hybrid infraspecific count excludes hybrids; the hybrid count covers matching hybrids across ranks. These counts and Species represented must not be added to derive Total taxa.
• Comparisons and percentages: family, genus, climate and native-region figures count represented non-hybrid species. Percentages use all those species, including species missing the relevant evidence, rather than only the displayed or annotated subset. A species counts once within each group. Climate and regional associations can overlap, so their percentages need not total 100%. Rankings and ties use the underlying species counts.
• Evidence and coverage: climate and native-region associations use reliable evidence on matching records; a nonmatching parent or other relative does not automatically add associations. Missing evidence does not establish absence. Material limitations are explained beside the affected figures, or unsupported summaries are withheld.
• Native environments: climate associations describe native habitats, not tested cultivation tolerances. Regions follow WGSRPD botanical geography, which can differ from conventional continents. Reliable historical native records, including local extinctions, remain included; introduced and doubtful occurrences are excluded.

GBIF Backbone Taxonomy

To supplement our database with standardized English common names and resolve complex taxonomic aliases, we integrate supplementary taxonomy data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

Note on Modifications: SilvaGrid has adapted the original GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. We algorithmically extract English vernacular names and synonyms, re-ranking and crosswalking them directly against our core WCVP taxonomic backbone.

• Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
• Citation: GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-03-27.
• License: Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License.

Native Range Distributions (WGSRPD & ISO)

All native range and geographical distribution filters on this platform are based on the World Geographical Scheme for Recording Plant Distributions (WGSRPD), established by the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG), and translated where applicable to standard ISO country codes.

Note on Modifications: These geographic boundaries are mapped and integrated into SilvaGrid via the core WCVP distribution dataset. SilvaGrid algorithmically translates specific WGSRPD level-3 boundaries into their corresponding ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country equivalents to enhance user searchability.