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What is a Herbarium?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An herbarium is a facility where specimens of plants are maintained for the purpose of comparison with new plant species, study, and general reference. Herbaria can be found all over the world, with collections which vary largely in size; the largest herbarium in the world is at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris. Herbaria are often attached to natural history museums and arboretums, but they can also stand alone.

In addition to plants, an herbarium often contains samples of things like lichens and fungi, which have historically been lumped with plants. Most samples in an herbarium are kept on sheets of white archival paper which are carefully labeled, with bulky specimens which cannot be flattened being stored in archival boxes.

Some of the plants collected by Charles Darwin are in an herbarium.
Some of the plants collected by Charles Darwin are in an herbarium.

Looking at the label for a plant should provide a great deal of information. The name of the person who collected it, along with the site where the plant was collected, are typically towards the top of the label. The scientific name of the plant is also listed, along with any common names, and the date of collection. General information like a description of the plant and any other notes will be included at the bottom of the label, as plants may fade or become damaged through years of storage.

Herbariums often contains samples of lichen in addition to plants.
Herbariums often contains samples of lichen in addition to plants.

Many plant samples in an herbarium are whole, including the root, stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers, but it is also possible to see sections of plants, especially in the case of large plants, shrubs, and trees. Some herbaria also include paleobotany references, such as historical samples of pollen and fossilized plants, allowing people to study the evolution of plants through the centuries. In addition to dried samples, an herbarium can also house frozen and wet-preserved samples.

Studying the samples at an herbarium can allow researchers to learn more about the history and evolution of plant life in a particular region. Researchers can also determine whether or not a plant is previously unidentified by comparing it with samples in herbaria, and herbarium collections may be used to compare the flora of various regions on Earth, looking at how evolution diverges and converges in response to an assortment of factors.

Visiting an herbarium can be quite interesting, for people who are into plants. The collections are often quite extensive, and some herbaria have a focus on a specific area of interest, like tropical plants, which can make a visit especially fascinating. Curators are often happy to show visitors around and to discuss the plants in their collections, and some are delighted to show off samples of historical interest, such as plants collected by Charles Darwin on his famous Beagle voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a herbarium and what is its primary purpose?

A herbarium is a collection of preserved plant specimens and associated data used for scientific study. The primary purpose of a herbarium is to serve as a reference center for the study of botany, providing insights into plant diversity, distribution, and conservation. It's a vital resource for taxonomic research and environmental studies.

How are plant specimens preserved in a herbarium?

Plant specimens in a herbarium are typically preserved through a process of pressing and drying. Once collected, plants are arranged on sheets of paper and pressed flat in a plant press. After drying, the specimens are mounted on archival-quality paper and labeled with critical information, ensuring they remain intact for long-term study.

Can herbarium specimens be used to study plant DNA?

Yes, herbarium specimens can be used to study plant DNA. Despite the age of some specimens, advances in molecular techniques have made it possible to extract and analyze DNA from herbarium samples, providing valuable genetic information that can inform taxonomy, phylogeny, and conservation efforts.

What kind of data is associated with herbarium specimens?

Herbarium specimens are accompanied by data that typically includes the plant's scientific name, collection location, date of collection, habitat description, and collector's name. This data provides context for the specimen and is crucial for understanding the plant's ecology and distribution.

How do herbaria contribute to the study of climate change?

Herbaria contribute to the study of climate change by offering historical records of plant life, which can be compared with current distributions and phenology. Researchers can track shifts in flowering times, range movements, and other responses to changing climates, providing empirical evidence of how plant species adapt over time.

Are herbariums accessible to the public, and can they contribute to citizen science?

Many herbariums are accessible to the public and researchers, often through universities or botanical institutions. They can contribute to citizen science by involving volunteers in digitization projects, specimen collection, and biodiversity monitoring, thereby fostering community engagement and enhancing the collective understanding of plant science.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Some of the plants collected by Charles Darwin are in an herbarium.
      By: nickolae
      Some of the plants collected by Charles Darwin are in an herbarium.
    • Herbariums often contains samples of lichen in addition to plants.
      By: alessandrozocc
      Herbariums often contains samples of lichen in addition to plants.