About
Edible Plant Guide (Free Food & Medicine) is a richly illustrated Android app that turns everyday wild plants into a powerful resource for health and nutrition. Developed by Markus Rothkranz and Palingenesis, Inc., the app contains a database of over 950 edible and non-edible plants paired with more than 2,500 high-quality full-color images, allowing users to visually identify plants found in their gardens, neighborhoods, and local environments. The app goes beyond simple plant identification by connecting 377 documented health conditions — ranging from bronchitis and kidney stones to skin conditions — to the plants historically used to address them. Users can explore plants through 12 browse categories such as Berries, Flowers, Trees, and Seaweed, or search alphabetically (A-Z) and by health diagnosis. Each plant entry includes descriptions, preparation methods, nutritional information, and toxicity notes where applicable. Key highlights include the ability to save favorite plants for quick reference, pinch-zoom on all images, and full offline functionality after installation — no internet required. Whether you're a forager, health enthusiast, student of herbalism, or simply curious about the plants in your backyard, this app provides an accessible, self-contained encyclopedia of edible and medicinal plant knowledge. It is suitable for users in urban and rural settings alike, and it requires no prior botanical experience to use effectively.
Key Features
- 950+ Plant Database: Browse and identify over 950 edible and non-edible plant species with detailed descriptions, nutritional information, and preparation methods.
- 2,500+ Full-Color Images: High-resolution photos with pinch-zoom support help users visually confirm plant identifications in the field or at home.
- 377 Health Condition References: Look up a health condition and discover which plants have historically been associated with supporting that condition, from lung health to skin care.
- Offline Access: Once installed, the entire app functions without an internet connection — ideal for use in remote areas or while foraging outdoors.
- Flexible Search & Categorization: Find plants via A-Z search, diagnosis-based lookup, or 12 browse categories including Berries, Flowers, Trees, and Seaweed. Save favorites for quick access.
Use Cases
- Foragers and outdoor enthusiasts identifying wild edible plants found in local parks, fields, or hiking trails.
- Health-conscious individuals researching which plants have historically been used to support specific health conditions or as natural remedies.
- Homesteaders and gardeners learning which common backyard plants are edible, nutritious, or useful as natural household products.
- Students and hobbyists studying botany, herbalism, or ethnobotany who need an offline visual reference guide.
- Budget-conscious households looking to supplement their diet with freely available wild and garden plants.
Pros
- Massive Plant & Condition Coverage: With 950+ plants and 377 health conditions cross-referenced, the app offers one of the most comprehensive offline plant references available on Android.
- No Internet Required: Full offline functionality makes it practical for real-world use in gardens, parks, and wilderness settings where connectivity may be limited.
- Rich Visual Library: Over 2,500 full-color images with zoom support make visual plant identification accessible even for beginners with no botanical training.
Cons
- Android Only: The app is only available on Google Play and does not support iOS, desktop, or web platforms, limiting its audience significantly.
- Last Updated in 2015: The app has not received updates since May 2015, meaning it may lack newer research, UI improvements, or compatibility optimizations for modern Android versions.
- One-Time Purchase Cost: Unlike many competing plant apps, Edible Plant Guide requires an upfront payment with no free trial, which may deter casual users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Edible Plant Guide work without an internet connection?
Yes. Once the app is installed, it functions entirely offline. No internet connection is required to browse plants, search by health condition, or view images.
How many plants does the app cover?
The app covers over 950 edible and non-edible plant species, each with descriptions, preparation tips, nutritional data, and toxicity notes where relevant.
Can I search for plants by a specific health condition?
Yes. The app includes a Diagnosis search feature that lets you look up any of 377 health conditions — such as bronchitis, kidney stones, or skin conditions — and find plants historically linked to them.
Is the app available on iPhone or desktop?
No. Edible Plant Guide is currently only available for Android devices via the Google Play Store. There is no iOS, web, or desktop version.
How do I navigate and find plants in the app?
You can search alphabetically using the A-Z index, browse by one of 12 plant categories (such as Berries, Flowers, Trees, or Seaweed), or use the Diagnosis page to find plants by health condition. You can also save favorites for quick future access.
