Question

The label of the specimen in the herbarium sheet should indicate
A. Scientific name
B. Time of collection
C. Name of collector
D. All of the above

Answer 1

The herbarium is a collection of the preserved plant specimen. The herbarium is a document which provides a record of botanical diversity. It helps in exact identification of plant species. It is useful for research and teaching purposes.

Complete answer: Steps involved in herbarium preparation:
a) Collection and pressing of the specimen: Plant specimens are collected from the field and are pressed. Usually, two to three specimens of the same sample are collected.
b) Drying of the specimen: A Blotting paper is used as it absorbs moisture, therefore, it helps in drying.
c) Mounting of the specimen on herbarium sheet: The well pressed and the dried specimen is now mounted on herbarium sheets with the help of a glue. Sometimes, threads and needles are also used to stitch the specimen.
d) Labelling of the specimen: On the right side lower corner of the herbarium sheet, the labelling is a mandatory step. The information has to be entered as shown below:
Serial number:________
Botanical name:___________
Family:__________
Genus:__________
Species:__________
Local name:_________
Site of collection / Place:__________
Habit:__________
Date of collection:_________
Collected by:________
Now, properly mounted and labelled sheets are preserved for future studies and are arranged according to the classification system. Yearly fumigation is mandatory with a suitable insecticide to prevent herbarium sheets from beetle attack.
So, the correct answer is option D.

Note: A herbarium is essential for the study of plant taxonomy. Herbarium helps us to understand the geographical distribution of a particular species. It plays an essential role in stabilizing the nomenclature.