Herbarium value
Pressed specimens with locality data are permanent vouchers for research, taxonomy, and education. Millions of specimens document biodiversity through time.
Collection protocol
- Collect flowers, fruits, and representative leaves
- Record GPS, habitat, associated species, collector
- Press between newspaper in plant press with ventilation
- Mount on archival paper with glue; label with acid-free ink
Digital extension
High-resolution photos and georeferenced databases (e.g., GBIF) expand access without shipping fragile specimens.