Index Herbariorum: The Global Directory of Botanical Collections
For botanists and plant scientists, locating specific physical specimens is critical for research and taxonomy. The Index Herbariorum serves as the definitive global directory for herbaria—specialized archives where dried plant specimens are permanently stored for scientific study. By providing a centralized, searchable database, it connects researchers with the vast botanical wealth housed across the globe.
Key Facts
- Tracks approximately 3,400 herbarium locations worldwide.
- Provides access to data for 350 million botanical specimens.
- Transitioned to an online format in 1997.
- Currently managed by the New York Botanical Garden.
- Includes staff contact details and specific research specialties.
The Evolution of the Index
The Index Herbariorum has a long history of documenting the world's botanical assets. Between 1952 and 1974, six print editions were published under the sponsorship of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy. As the need for more rapid data access grew, the index evolved, eventually becoming available online in 1997.
While the International Association for Plant Taxonomy initiated the project, the responsibility for maintaining and updating the index was subsequently taken over by the New York Botanical Garden. Today, the index operates with its own dedicated staff and website to ensure the data remains current for the global scientific community.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]What the Index Tracks
The directory is more than just a list of locations; it is a comprehensive tool for botanical networking and resource discovery. Each entry in the index typically includes the following details:
- Supporting Institution: The name of the entity housing the collection, which is frequently a university, a botanical garden, or a not-for-profit organization.
- Location: The specific city and state where the herbarium is situated.
- Herbarium Acronym: A unique shorthand code used to identify the specific collection in scientific literature.
- Staff Information: Contact details for personnel and their specific areas of research expertise.
- Collection Holdings: Information regarding the most significant or important specimens held within that specific herbarium.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Locations | ~3,400 |
| Total Specimens Documented | 350 Million |
| Online Since | 1997 |
| Current Manager | New York Botanical Garden |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a herbarium?
A herbarium is a facility that serves as a permanent repository for preserved botanical specimens, which are used for scientific study and reference.
Who currently manages the Index Herbariorum?
The New York Botanical Garden is currently responsible for the management and maintenance of the index.
How many specimens are tracked by the index?
The index provides data related to a total of 350 million botanical specimens housed across approximately 3,400 locations.
When did the Index Herbariorum move online?
The index became available as an online resource in 1997.
What information can researchers find about staff in the index?
Researchers can find contact information for staff members as well as their specific research specialties.