Indian Herbaria

 

Indian Herbarium:

India has several prominent herbaria, each with its own collection of preserved plant specimens and a rich history of botanical research. Some of the notable herbaria in India include:

 

Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Herbarium, Kolkata: The BSI herbarium, located in the Botanical Survey of India's headquarters in Kolkata, is one of the largest and most comprehensive herbaria in India. It houses a vast collection of plant specimens from across the country and plays a central role in botanical research and documentation.

 

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Herbarium, New Delhi: The IARI herbarium, based in New Delhi, specializes in agricultural and horticultural plant specimens. It is affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and focuses on plant research related to agriculture and crop science.

 

Royal Botanic Garden Herbarium, Howrah: Situated in Howrah, West Bengal, this herbarium is part of the Royal Botanic Garden, Shibpur. It holds a substantial collection of plant specimens, particularly from the eastern regions of India.

 

Central National Herbarium (CNH), Allahabad: The CNH, located in Allahabad (Prayagraj), is a significant repository of plant specimens, with a focus on central and northern India. It is part of the Botanical Survey of India and contributes to the documentation of India's plant diversity.

 

Blatter Herbarium, Mumbai: Located at the St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, the Blatter Herbarium is renowned for its collection of specimens from the Western Ghats and other regions of India. It is affiliated with the Blatter Herbarium Society and actively engages in botanical research.

 

University of Calcutta Herbarium, Kolkata: This herbarium, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, holds a diverse collection of plant specimens, including those from the eastern and northeastern regions of India. It contributes to research and education.

 

Forest Research Institute (FRI) Herbarium, Dehradun: The FRI herbarium is situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and focuses on forest and tree species. It supports research on forestry and related disciplines.

 

National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) Herbarium, Lucknow: Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the NBRI herbarium is associated with the National Botanical Research Institute and specializes in the preservation of plant specimens for botanical research.

These herbaria play a crucial role in documenting India's plant diversity, supporting botanical research, and aiding in the conservation of plant species. They serve as valuable resources for scientists, educators, and the general public interested in the flora of India.