Notes From Nature Talk

Scandinavian specimens

  • HelenBennett57 by HelenBennett57

    Where did the Scandinavian specimens in the FSU herbarium come from, like this one?

    I know there is a very obvious answer here... 😉 so what I'm really asking is, how did they end up in Florida?

    Posted

  • md68135 by md68135 scientist in response to HelenBennett57's comment.

    Hi @HelenBennett57,
    Great question. It is most likely via what is called an exchange program. Many (most?) herbaria will exchange specimens to help build and diversify their collections. For example, I send you 100 specimens from my local area and you send me 100 from yours. Or it could even be from the specific group that I am an expert on. These kinds of programs can go on for many years.

    Some curators are very specific about what they want, which depends on the part of the collect they want to build up. For example, a curator might specify a specific plant family or geographic region of interest (mustards of Sweden).

    Hope this helps!

    Posted

  • HelenBennett57 by HelenBennett57

    Yes it does; thank you! It's always interesting to hear more about the stories behind these collections.

    Posted