Species in the hibiscus and sedge families, both extinct for decades but preserved at the Missouri Botanical Garden, are among those scientists want to target to bring back from the dead. Scientists from across the globe recently collaborated to create a list of plants targeted for “de-extinction.” They examined plant specimens preserved in herbaria, or…
Tag: herbarium
Spotlight on Science: Jordan Teisher
Jordan TeisherDirector, Herbarium Jordan Teisher still vividly remembers visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden when he was exploring graduate school opportunities in plant research. He started his visit in the Lehmann Building, which holds part of the Garden’s herbarium, and then took a walk around Garden grounds. He was in awe. “You have this combination of…
Grafting the Grape: Indigenous Use of Grapes
Grafting the Grape: American Grapevine Rootstock in Missouri and the World is currently installed in ting The Grape: American Grapevine Rootstock in Missouri and the World is currently installed in the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum, which is open for visitors Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30am-4:30pm. The exhibition content is available online through the Garden YouTube channel and…
Ynés Mexía: Botanical Groundbreaker
150,000—led to the discovery of dozens of new species and greatly expanded the botanical understanding of the plants of Mexico and parts of South America.
Dr. Anna Isabel Mulford: Botanical Groundbreaker
In 1895, Anna Isabel Mulford would become the first student—of any gender—to earn a PhD from Washington University.
The Botanizing Presidential Candidate
The Missouri Botanical Garden is home to more than seven million plant specimens. In addition to its role as a research tool for botanists, it is also a window into history. Each specimen tells a story—connecting people, plants, and places. The Garden’s herbarium can tell us about the early career of groundbreaking botanist George Washington…
Remote Research: Herbarium at Home
Throughout the world, closures and lockdowns aimed to stop the spread of COVID-19 have disrupted many people’s lives and work. As a global institution, the Missouri Botanical Garden does research around the world, making travel restrictions a major hindrance. The “stay at home” order means staff has lost access to the Garden’s herbarium and labs,…
Remote Research: Down for the Count
Throughout the world, closures and lockdowns aimed to stop the spread of COVID-19 have disrupted many people’s lives and work. As a global institution, the Missouri Botanical Garden does research around the world, making travel restrictions a major hindrance. The “stay at home” order means staff has lost access to the Garden’s herbarium and labs,…
Exploring Alaska on the Harriman Expedition
Imagine gathering America’s most intelligent and well-known scientists in topics like biology and botany, with support from gifted artists, photographers and technicians to do research in one geographic area. Good idea, right? Even today, that would be a challenging task. The Harriman Expedition to Alaska, led by wealthy railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman in 1899,…
White Redbud Has History at the Garden
Missouri’s native trees put on quite a show in spring, led by the fuchsia flush of the Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). This understory tree can be found in parks, home landscapes, and along roadsides throughout the state. The dense clusters of tiny pink blooms are a reminder that warmer weather and longer days have finally…
Plant Profile: Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks on the planet, trailing only water and tea in global daily consumption. Although it’s a drink many people rely on for a morning pick-me-up, it can be easy to overlook the plant that produces this culturally and economically important caffeinated beverage. What is Coffee? Coffea is a…
The Botany of Beer
It’s no secret that St. Louis is one of the best places to be if you find yourself with a hankering for beer. Starting this July at Garden Party Lights, the Garden joins in the fun with a biergarten that’s open through the rosy glow of summer evenings. But even in the midst of a…