Arboreta

An arboretum, plural arboreta (arboretums also used), is a botanical collection focused on trees and other woody plants. These living collections are maintained for scientific study, conservation, education, and public enjoyment. They are typically laid out with labeled specimens to aid identification and comparison, and may include associated facilities such as herbariums, seed banks, and research plots.

The idea developed over centuries, with early European estates collecting ornamental and experimental trees. In the 19th century, horticulturists, notably John Claudius Loudon, helped standardize the concept and promote design, labeling, and cataloging in what became a formal discipline of arboretum management.

Arboreta are usually part of botanic gardens, universities, or research institutions, and are managed by professional staff or curators. Collections may be organized taxonomically, geographically, or functionally (such as drought- or cold-tolerance trials). Curators monitor plant health, control pests, and maintain labels and documentation.

Conservation and research are central aims. Living trees in arboreta serve as ex situ reservoirs for threatened species, enable studies of growth, genetics, and climate adaptation, and support seed exchange networks. Public programs, tours, and educational events help raise awareness of tree biodiversity and conservation.

Notable arboreta include Arnold Arboretum in Boston, as well as large-scale collections at major botanical gardens and universities around the world. The term arboreta is widely used alongside arboreums in modern English to describe such collections.