Exsiccati

Exsiccati are sets of dried, preserved specimens of plants, fungi, or algae that are distributed to other institutions or individuals for study. These collections are meticulously prepared, often mounted on herbarium sheets, and accompanied by detailed labels that include the scientific name, collector, date, and location of collection. The term "exsiccati" comes from the Latin word "exsiccare," meaning "to dry up."

The practice of creating and distributing exsiccati collections gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as a way to share botanical knowledge and specimens widely. These sets were instrumental in the advancement of taxonomy and floristics, allowing scientists across different regions to compare and identify species. Famous exsiccati sets were compiled by influential botanists and institutions, contributing significantly to the understanding of plant diversity.

Each exsiccatus is essentially a unit within a larger, distributed set. The preparation process involves careful drying, pressing, and mounting to ensure the long-term preservation of the biological material. Labels are critical, providing essential data that allows researchers to understand the context of the specimen. Today, exsiccati collections are valuable historical and scientific resources, housed in herbaria worldwide. They continue to be consulted for taxonomic research, historical studies, and understanding past biodiversity.