Reorganisation angiosperms

Based on the inventory of the entire collection, which was carried out between 2019 and 2021 thanks to the funding line ‘Cataloguing and Digitisation’ of the ETH Library, the basis for a complete reorganisation of the angiosperms according to the current family classification is to be created.

Aim of the project

At the end of the project, the United Herbaria Zurich should have a tabular compilation listing the necessary steps for a reorganisation of all estimated (118,000) species, (9,800) genera and families (>400) of angiosperms.

Description of the project

The United Herbaria Zurich's collection of angiosperms includes about 118,000 plant species, totalling more than two million specimens. However, the current classification of the more than 400 plant families mostly follows the outdated concept of Willis (1897). This classification has three major disadvantages. Firstly, the collection is difficult for researchers and staff to access because the specimens are not arranged according to the current modern systematics. Secondly, nomenclatural adjustments must be made for each new digitisation project to ensure a contemporary presentation of the data collected on the internet. Finally, some plant families remain untouched because splitting or merging larger volumes is logistically impracticable due to a lack of space. The vascular plant collection of the United Herbaria Zurich will have to be temporarily relocated in the coming years due to building renovation. This relocation offers the unexpected opportunity to reorder the collection of angiosperms according to current systematic knowledge during the move.

Synergies and context

After the reorganisation, the vascular plant collection of the United Herbaria would be ideally equipped for mass digitisation using the latest conveyor belt technologies, should the financial means for this be approved in the coming years.

Time frame

The overall project will run from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.