Database Schema and Data Structure

Overview

This document defines the data structure for the GrowNative NZ plant database, designed to support both WordPress content management and future mobile application development.

Design Principles:

Structured data for consistent information
Extensible for future features
API-friendly for mobile apps
User-contributed content support
Maintain WordPress compatibility

Current Site Structure Analysis

Existing Plant Pages Example: https://feaa.info/wordpress/grownative/piper-excelsum/

Current Structure (to be Enhanced):

Free-form content sections
Basic image embedding
Comment-based user interaction
External link references

Proposed Enhancement:

Structured custom fields
Organized image galleries
Moderated user contributions
Relationship data between plants and growing conditions

DECISION REQUIRED: Data Complexity Level

Option A: Simple Structure (Recommended for Phase 1)

Single custom post type with extensive custom fields

Option B: Relational Structure (Future-Proof)

Multiple related post types and custom tables

Your preference affects complexity and timeline: ________________

Core Data Structure

1. Plant Species (Custom Post Type: `plant_species`)

WordPress Standard Fields

Title: Scientific Name (e.g., "Piper excelsum")
Slug: URL-friendly version (e.g., "piper-excelsum")
Content: General description and overview
Excerpt: Brief summary for listings
Featured Image: Primary identification photo

Custom Taxonomies

plant_type:
├── Tree
├── Shrub  
├── Herb
├── Fern
├── Climber
├── Grass
└── Other

growth_habit:
├── Upright
├── Spreading
├── Climbing
├── Prostrate
└── Clumping

conservation_status:
├── Not Threatened
├── Naturally Uncommon
├── Relict
├── Recovering
├── Declining
├── Nationally Critical
├── Nationally Endangered
└── Nationally Vulnerable

suitable_regions: (New Zealand regions)
├── Northland
├── Auckland
├── Waikato
├── Bay of Plenty
├── Gisborne
├── Hawke's Bay
├── Taranaki
├── Manawatu-Whanganui
├── Wellington
├── Tasman
├── Nelson
├── Marlborough
├── West Coast
├── Canterbury
├── Otago
└── Southland

2. Custom Fields Structure (Advanced Custom Fields)

DECISION REQUIRED: Field Complexity

Essential Fields Only:

Basic identification and growing info
Simple propagation notes
External references

Comprehensive Fields:

Detailed characteristics and measurements
Complex propagation data with success rates
User contribution tracking

Basic Information Group

Field Group: "Basic Plant Information"

common_names (Repeater Field):
├── name (Text)
├── language (Select: English, Māori, Other)
└── region (Text, optional)

plant_summary (Textarea):
├── Brief description for identification
└── Key distinguishing features

cultural_significance (Textarea):
├── Traditional Māori uses
├── Modern cultural importance
└── Historical information

Physical Characteristics Group

Field Group: "Physical Characteristics"

size_mature:
├── height_min (Number, meters)
├── height_max (Number, meters)  
├── width_min (Number, meters)
└── width_max (Number, meters)

growth_characteristics:
├── growth_rate (Select: Very Slow, Slow, Medium, Fast, Very Fast)
├── lifespan (Select: Annual, Short-lived Perennial, Long-lived Perennial, Very Long-lived)
└── growth_notes (Textarea)

physical_features:
├── leaf_description (Textarea)
├── flower_description (Textarea)
├── fruit_description (Textarea)
├── bark_description (Textarea)
└── distinguishing_features (Textarea)

seasonal_information:
├── flowering_months (Checkbox: Jan, Feb, Mar, etc.)
├── fruiting_months (Checkbox: Jan, Feb, Mar, etc.)
└── seasonal_notes (Textarea)

Growing Conditions Group

Field Group: "Growing Conditions"

environmental_needs:
├── light_requirements (Checkbox: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade, Deep Shade)
├── soil_types (Checkbox: Clay, Loam, Sand, Organic, Rocky)
├── drainage (Select: Well-drained, Moist, Wet, Boggy)
├── ph_preference (Select: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline, Any)
└── water_requirements (Select: Drought Tolerant, Average, Moist, Wet)

climate_tolerance:
├── frost_tolerance (Select: Frost Tender, Light Frost, Moderate Frost, Heavy Frost)
├── wind_tolerance (Select: Sheltered, Some Wind, Windy, Coastal Winds)
├── salt_tolerance (Checkbox: Yes/No)
└── altitude_range (Text)

companion_plants (Post Object, Multiple):
├── Link to other plant species
└── Relationship notes

Propagation Information Group

Field Group: "Propagation Methods"

seed_propagation:
├── seed_collection_timing (Textarea)
├── seed_collection_method (Textarea)
├── seed_storage (Textarea)
├── seed_viability (Text)
├── seed_treatment (Textarea)
├── germination_method (Textarea)
├── germination_time (Text)
├── germination_rate (Text)
└── germination_notes (Textarea)

alternative_propagation:
├── cutting_propagation (Textarea)
├── division_method (Textarea)
├── layering_method (Textarea)
└── other_methods (Textarea)

growing_on:
├── container_growing (Textarea)
├── feeding_requirements (Textarea)
├── watering_young_plants (Textarea)
├── transplanting_notes (Textarea)
└── time_to_planting_size (Text)

planting_information:
├── site_preparation (Textarea)
├── planting_timing (Textarea)
├── spacing_requirements (Text)
├── establishment_care (Textarea)
└── common_problems (Textarea)

External Resources Group

Field Group: "External Resources"

authoritative_links (Repeater Field):
├── link_url (URL)
├── link_title (Text)
├── source_type (Select: NZPCN, DOC, Scientific Paper, Other)
└── description (Text)

image_credits (Repeater Field):
├── image (Image)
├── photographer (Text)
├── source (Text)
├── license (Select: CC BY, CC BY-SA, Permission Granted, Copyright)
└── description (Text)

3. User Contributions Structure

DECISION REQUIRED: Contribution Method

Option A: Comments Plus (Simple)

Enhanced comment system with custom fields
Moderation workflow
Basic user profiles

Option B: Separate Post Type (Advanced)

Dedicated user experience posts
Rich media support
Advanced filtering and display

User Experience Posts (if Option B chosen)

Custom Post Type: "user_experiences"

standard_fields:
├── Title: Auto-generated from plant + user + date
├── Content: User's detailed experience
├── Author: WordPress user who submitted
└── Parent: Link to plant species post

custom_fields:
├── plant_species (Post Object: Required link to plant)
├── experience_type (Select: Seed Collection, Germination, Growing, Planting, General)
├── success_rating (Select: 1-5 stars)
├── location (Text: General region/area)
├── timing (Date: When experience occurred)
├── method_used (Textarea: Specific technique used)
├── results (Textarea: What happened)
├── photos (Gallery: Progress photos)
├── would_repeat (Select: Yes, No, With Modifications)
├── tips_for_others (Textarea: Advice for future growers)
└── verification_status (Select: Pending, Verified, Expert Reviewed)

4. Search and Filter Support

Search Configuration

Searchable Fields:
├── Scientific name (exact and partial matches)
├── Common names (all variations)
├── Content description
├── Physical characteristics
├── Growing condition notes
└── Propagation information

Filter Categories:
├── Plant type (taxonomy)
├── Growth habit (taxonomy)
├── Suitable regions (taxonomy)
├── Light requirements (custom field)
├── Soil preferences (custom field)
├── Frost tolerance (custom field)
├── Propagation difficulty (calculated from user experiences)
└── Information completeness (calculated field)

DECISION REQUIRED: Advanced Features

Success Rate Tracking

Should the system calculate and display success rates for propagation methods based on user reports?

If Yes:

Automated calculations from user experience data
Display confidence levels based on number of reports
Regional variation in success rates

If No:

Simple qualitative descriptions only
Focus on individual experience sharing

Regional Customization

Should growing advice be customized by user location?