Abstract: The “virtual medicinal plants identification” is a virtual teaching software depending on virtual simulation experiment teaching platform in Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, through the application of computer technology, virtual and reality combining technology, it effectively combines the “medicinal botany” theory teaching, experimental teaching, practical teaching and other content, forms a “teaching and learning” sharing network interaction platform. The software gives full play to the positive role of network information technology in the professional teaching of medicinal botany, it enriches online learning resources of medicinal botany and promotes the digitization of medicinal plants information.

Key words: Identification of medicinal plants, Virtual teaching software, Plant anatomy, Plant retrieval, Field practice