Are Herbaria Still Relevant in the 21st Century?
By Walter Fertig, Arizona State University herbarium
Originally published in Sego Lily 2016 Vol 39(1):6-8.
The oldest herbaria date to the Middle Ages when European physicians first learned that dried and pressed plants could retain their color and appearance for decades if properly preserved. Initially specimens were bound in books to provide doctors with a handy reference for identifying the sources of herbal medicines. Over time it became more convenient to keep specimens on loose sheets that could... Read More
