The Herbarium of Pisa Botanic Garden : Scientific Tradition Shapes its Future

Abstract

Almost 450 years ago, the foundation of the first Botanic Gardens, to which herbaria were readily associated, marked the birth of botany as autonomous discipline.

After alterne phases of concern and disregard as to their role, today it is generally acknowledged that these institutions resources and capabilities must be exploited to successfully confront with the global challenge posed by environment degradation.

In our country, this awareness is mirrored by the attentive interest paid to a recent international symposium organized by the Botanic Garden of Pisa, in celebration of its 400 years od existence and activity, during which the role of herbaria was also discussed, and by the expectations raised by the congresses scheduled at the Herbarium of Florence (September, 1992) and at the Botanic Garden of Padua (1995).

The Herbarium of Pisa has a long standing tradition of study and research. At present, it is divided in two sections : the historical and the current collections. The historical collections, assembled by renowned botanists, such as Giuseppe Raddi, Gaetano Savi and Teodoro Caruel, mainly in the last century, are not added to, in view of their value as documentation of their compiler's activity; furthermore, they contain several type specimens.

The current collection, on the other hand, is routinely added to with exsiccata of various origin, ranging from S. Europe to N. Africa and Middle East.

The overall 500000 specimens maintained in the Herbarium provide a noteworthy body of scientific data recorded over a considerable length of time. Current research and management activity are briefly discussed.