Plant Base Release Status (February 2026)

8th February 2026 - release of Plant Base 2.2.0 and 2.1.16

Version 2.2.0 is a significant release that uses a new program build method. Functionally is similar to previous versions but this enables improved optimisation, performance and better linking to host operating system components. Also resolves some outstanding issues not possible before.

However, the new build method means some older operating system releases are no longer supported. For this reason version 2.1.16 is released concurrently. This was an interim development version with a number of important user interface changes and a few bug fixes. As direct continuation of the previous release, it will run on the same range of operating systems. Notably it still works on legacy Windows XP and 2000, also on older MacOS and Linux systems. For most user functions there is very little difference between the versions.

Windows edition of 2.2.0 is only available as a 64-bit program and version 2.1.16 is only available as 32-bit. However, the 32-bit release will run on the latest 64-bit Windows.

MacOS edition 2.2.0 is only available as 64-bit. MacOS systems since Catalina (10.15) do not support 32-bit applications. Version 2.1.16 is available as both 32-bit and 64-bit apps and are still supported on Snow Leopard (10.6) and some later releases.

Linux edition, versions 2.2.0 and 2.1.16 are each available as both 64-bit and 32-bit. Version 2.2.0 requires a Linux distribution from about 2021 or later, whereas version 2.1.16 will run on distributions dating from about 2019.

The Linux edition is no longer designated as Beta test. Both new Linux versions are released as freeware, with registration by licence code entirely optional.

There is an updated database, to data realease 32. Some new plant and picture records have been added, but the majority of changes are due to plant name and classification revisions, following guidance by Kew and the RHS. As usual, the database files are both forward and backward compatible between program versions.

21st March 2013 - release of Plant Base 2.1.0

This was a major version of the application and the first public release of the newly re-coded program.

The database content was Data Release 24, the same as the final Plant Base '1'.

Plant Base 2 is a full re-write that replaces the previous 1.6.1. version. As it uses completely different program technologies, upgrading from old versions requires a database migration step in order to preserve user data. Here is a detailed guide describing how to convert from a 1.x.x version to 2.x.x.

It is possible to install and run the new Plant Base 2 version alongside version 1.6.1

All existing license registration codes remain valid for Plant Base 2.

Notable changes since Plant Base 1.6.1

• Plant records have 3 new fields - spiny/thorny, invasive and leaf-shape. As additional to the original database, they have not been completed for many plant records.
• List records have 3 new fields to hold GPS data - intended mostly for the future mobile edition.
• Imperial sizes and Fahrenheit temperature are handled differently. Main display is always metric/Celsius but with options for mouse-over conversions and alternate data entry in Imperial/US Standard units.
• Portable run-time mode is available - can run entirely from a USB memory stick.
• Optional small-screen display mode, suitable for netbooks and other compact laptops.
• Archive function has been renamed to Extract and is no longer a separate program.
• Import plant data function now has a new option to apply record deletions, as logged in the import file.
• Resize new pictures on-the-fly when adding.
• Add pictures from the Windows Clipboard as alternative to the usual file method.
• Possibility of alternative languages for the user interface.
• The old plant reporter module has been improved and merged into the main program.
• Screensaver module is now an optional, separate install.
• Both 32-bit and 64-bit program builds are available.
• Cross-platform edition support for MacOS and Linux in addition to Windows.

General release notes

All updates to previously installed copies are free.

The default language for user interface of Plant Base 2 is English, but language can be changed by using external translation files. Please see the languages page for further information.

Plant Base 2 needs Windows 2000 or later, Plant Base 1 ran on older Windows versions (95, 98, NT4, ME as well as 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7). Users of "retro" computers may request an install for version 1.6.1, although it is no longer actively maintained.

Plant Base was originally developed for MS Windows PCs, but now available as native editions for MacOS and Linux platforms. There is also a mobile Android app for tablets and smartpones. All editions use the same database so that plant data is interchangeable regardless of platform.

PureBasic

Plant Base 2 is coded in a different programming language from the older versions, which used a now obsolete Microsoft system.

After considering several alternative programming languages for the re-coding, we selected PureBasic from Fantaisie Software, France. This powerful and highly efficient cross-platform development tool is an excellent choice for small-scale developers with limited resources and one of the best programming languages we have seen.

We would like to thank the Fantaisie Software team and the entire PureBasic forum community. Many have helped and provided code examples, but for their substantial contributions we specially mention Timo Harter, Stephen Rodriguez and Martin Guttman.