Herbaria

/hɜːrˈbɛəriə/ noun

Definition

Plural of herbarium (using the Latin plural form); collections of dried plant specimens mounted and preserved for scientific study and reference.

Etymology

Latin plural of 'herbarium' (a collection of plants). 'Herbarium' comes from Latin 'herbarius' (of herbs), which derives from 'herba' (grass, plant). Scientists use the Latin plural to maintain international standardization.

Kelly Says

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has one of the world's largest herbaria with over 7 million preserved specimens—many over 200 years old and still perfectly preserved, letting scientists compare how plants have changed over centuries.

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