International Phenological Gardens in Europe The Basic Network for International Phenological Observations

Abstract

A major goal of phenology is the understanding of the effects of climate on plant development. The usual phenological network established within a region may elucidate local patterns to some extent, but the information is not precise enough to evaluate research hypotheses. A network of observers will not report on the same representatives of a species each year, so location is only vaguely indicated when the data are compared from year to year. Variations in plant development may arise from hereditary factors, as well as from factors of location. Also, every species has distinct relationships to the environment, and some are more useful than others for research purposes.