3.1.3 Maintenance of scientific vouchers
Background
The initial purpose of the scientific study of plants in the Gardens
was identification and authentication of plants in the living
collections. Although the Herbarium and research activities have
developed considerably and now fulfil many other functions, the
provision of reliable vouchered identifications for the living
collections and other botanical projects is still a most significant
role. The strong functional link between the living collections and
the Herbarium vouchers is a major characteristic that distinguishes
the Australian National Botanic Gardens from other botanic gardens.
Management prescriptions
Objective
The objective is to maintain a comprehensive set of reliably
identified scientific voucher specimens of plants growing in the
living collections, plant groups under study by the Gardens, and
plants represented in the National Plant Photographic Index.
Implementation
The Herbarium will continue to house and maintain voucher specimens
of the Gardens' living collections. Voucher specimens for other
scientific programs such as botanical research and survey and the
National Plant Photographic Index will also be maintained. These
specimens will be curated to the highest archival standard and will
be reliably identified according to the most recent and most reliable
botanical publications, thus ensuring that plants growing in the
Gardens can be correctly identified.