Think of the Herbarium as a silent library. But instead of books, it holds stories of plants. These stories span across China and beyond. The Herbarium in Beijing is not just any collection. It is Asia’s largest herbarium. Its history stretches back over 80 years.
The Herbarium’s story begins with two institutes. The Fan Memorial Institute of Biology and the National Academy of Peiping. These merged in 1950. They formed the Institute of Botany. Their combined collections became the foundation for the Herbarium.
Today, the Herbarium (PE) boasts over 2.6 million specimens. These include fossils, seeds, mosses, ferns and seed plants. Imagine holding a fossil leaf from a time long ago. Or examining seeds that could hold the key to future medicines.
The Herbarium’s collection includes 80 percent of China’s mosses. It also has 95 percent of the ferns and 90 percent of the seed plants. This makes it a vital genetic bank. It is also a vast information source for plant life. The Herbarium (PE) plays a key role in understanding and protecting plant diversity.
The Herbarium actively gathers new specimens. Expeditions explore diverse regions like Guizhou, Hainan and Xinjiang. International collaborations also enrich the collection. These include expeditions to Vietnam, Russia and America. The Herbarium also exchanges specimens with over 100 herbaria worldwide. This fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The Herbarium’s work extends beyond collecting. It contributes to major botanical studies. The Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae is one example. This comprehensive work documents China’s plant life. The Herbarium also aids in developing modern botany.
Since 1999, the Herbarium has been digitizing its collection. This makes information accessible to researchers worldwide. Over 1.8 million specimens have been digitized. This includes collection data and specimen images. An information management system allows for quick data analysis. This system supports environmental protection efforts. It also aids in sustainable resource use.
The Herbarium plays an important role in public education. It welcomes thousands of visitors each year. These include gardeners, scientists and students. The Herbarium also offers specimen identification services. It provides botanical advice to the community.
In 2015 alone, the Herbarium received over 2,600 visitors. It loaned nearly 4,700 specimens to researchers. The Herbarium also created botanical illustrations for the Flora of Pan-Himalayas. These illustrations help people visualize plant diversity. The Herbarium even partnered with China Central Television. Together, they made a documentary about plant herbaria.
The Herbarium offers online resources as well. The Chinese Virtual Herbarium provides access to millions of specimens. The Plant Photo Bank of China features millions of plant images. These resources promote plant knowledge. They support research and conservation.
The Herbarium (PE) stands as a testament to the power of plant research. It is a place of discovery and learning. Its collections and research support plant conservation. They also inspire future generations of botanists. As you leave, consider the Herbarium’s vital role. It helps us understand and protect our planet’s plant life.