Question

Write any three importances of herbarium.

Answer 1

Hint: Herbaria are the dictionaries of the plant kingdom that provide comparative material for studies in plant taxonomy and systematic.

Complete Answer:
Herbarium: Herbarium is a collection of dried plant specimens that are mounted on a sheet of paper.
- The plants are collected from their natural habitat.
- These plants are identified by experts, pressed and carefully mounted on a sheet of paper.
- The plants are mounted in such a way that all major morphological characters of that plant are visible.
- The mounted plants are then labeled with their proper scientific name, name of collector, name of place from where they are collected and how they grew, etc.
- Herbarium collections are housed in botanical gardens, natural history museums and universities. The largest herbaria found in Europe.

Importances of herbarium:
- There are many importances of Herbarium.
- Herbarium serves as the source of information of the flora of any region.
- Herbarium helps in confirming the identity of a plant.
- Herbarium is also the source of plant DNA for use in taxonomy and molecular systematic.
- Herbarium serves as an educational tool for the public.
- Herbarium also tells us about the morphology and anatomy of individuals of a particular species in different regions.

Note: Xylarium is a herbarium which contains specimens of wood. Hortium is a herbarium which is specializing in preserving material of horticulture origin.