Multilingual Multiscript Plant Name Database (MMPND)
The Multilingual Multiscript Plant Name Database (MMPND) serves as a comprehensive global resource for the names of plant taxa. By bridging the gap between scientific nomenclature and local languages, it provides a vital tool for botanists, agriculturists, and researchers worldwide.
While the database includes a wide array of flora, its primary objective is the cataloging of cultivated plants, which are viewed as the most useful for human application. Beyond cultivation, the database encompasses plants of economic importance as well as wild (savage) plant species.
Key Facts
- Scope: Focuses on cultivated, economic, and wild plant taxa.
- Language Support: Covers nearly 100 languages using over 40 different scripts.
- Growth Rate: Expanding by approximately 3 to 5 genera per month.
- Current Scale: Approximately 300 genera treated as of June 2026.
- Integration: Referenced by major botanical authorities including IPNI and GRIN-Global.
Evolution and Management
The MMPND originated at the University of Melbourne under the management of Michel H. Porcher. While the original University of Melbourne version is now officially archived, it remains partially functional, though many of its external links have become outdated or broken over time.
To ensure the continuity and modernization of this data, the Hortibloke Blog was established as a modern extension of the historic MMPND, maintaining the legacy of the original project while adapting to current web standards.
Technical Capabilities and Global Integration
The strength of the MMPND lies in its linguistic diversity. It allows users to search for plant names across a vast array of scripts and languages, making botanical data accessible to non-English speakers and local experts.
This utility is recognized by several leading international botanical organizations:
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI): References the MMPND for its multilingual search capabilities and its specialized index of medicinal plants.
- GRIN-Global (Germplasm Resources Information Network): Mentions the MMPND within the references of many of its plant taxa.
The database continues to grow in complexity, expanding its list of synonyms and scientific names to provide a more accurate taxonomic map of the plant kingdom.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Language Count | Nearly 100 |
| Script Count | Over 40 |
| Genera Treated (June 2026) | ~300 |
| Expansion Rate | 3-5 genera per month |
| Primary Focus | Cultivated and Economic Plants |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the MMPND?
The primary purpose of the Multilingual Multiscript Plant Name Database is to catalogue the names of plant taxa, with a specific emphasis on cultivated plants and those of economic importance.
Who originally managed the MMPND?
The original version of the database at the University of Melbourne was managed by Michel H. Porcher.
How does the MMPND handle different languages?
The database is designed to be searchable in nearly 100 different languages and utilizes over 40 distinct scripts to ensure global accessibility.
Is the original University of Melbourne database still active?
The original version is officially archived. While most internal links still function, many external links are broken; however, the Hortibloke Blog now serves as its modern extension.
Which international organizations reference the MMPND?
The MMPND is referenced by the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) and the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Global).