exsiccata

Exsiccata is a term used in botany and mycology to refer to dried specimens of plants or fungi that have been preserved for scientific study. These specimens are typically mounted on herbarium sheets or placed in boxes, and are meticulously labeled with information such as the species name, collector, date of collection, and location of discovery. Exsiccata collections serve as invaluable resources for taxonomic research, allowing scientists to compare different species, track their distribution, and study evolutionary relationships. They also play a crucial role in education, providing students with tangible examples of plant and fungal diversity. The practice of creating exsiccata dates back centuries, with some collections containing specimens that are hundreds of years old. The preservation methods used ensure that the specimens retain their key morphological features, making them suitable for identification and analysis. Specialized publications, often referred to as "exsiccati," may also be produced, containing sets of dried specimens distributed among various institutions for widespread study.