Herbarium
A herbarium is a systematically organised collection of dried and pressed plants preserved at low humidity in disinfected conditions. These plants are used for a botanical study and research.
The Sóller Botanic Garden Herbarium (HJBS) is organised into systematic sections of pteridophytes, gymnosperms, dicotyledons and monocotyledons, in accordance with BRUMMITT's 1992 Vascular Plant Families and Genera. The sheets in each group are in alphabetical order of families, genera and species.
The Herbarium is in the Botanic institute in a building that guarantees the conservation of the specimens. The sheets are kept in compact cabinets at a relative humidity of 55-60% and a temperature of 21ºC. All the specimens in the collections are frozen for a minimum of 48 hours before they enter the herbarium, in order to avoid infection. The herbarium has a pest control system that uses pheromone traps for the various potentially harmful species.
The main collection consists mainly of Balearic Islands flora and is the result of herborisations carried out by Botanic Garden staff during their work and research. This collections is augmented by personal herbaria and the special collaborations of Jeroni Morell, Maria Mayol, Maurici Mus, Josep A. Rosselló, Gabriel Bibiloni, Guillem Alomar, Antoni Rebassa and Joan Mayol.
In addition to the general collection, there are other historical collections, such as the herbaria of Father F. Bonafè and Brother Bianor. Information about these collections can be found on the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) database.
The whole Herbarium is currentky being computerised using the HERBAR program, a herbarium management application in MS-Access. This is the standard application used by the AHIM (Asociation Herbariums Ibero-Macaronèsics), to wich the Sóller Botanic Garden belongs.
Use and loans
Accredited scientists can visit the Herbarium by applying in writing. Acces to the BONAFÈ and BIANOR historical collections is only allowed when accompanied by a member of the Herbarium staff. Visitors have to sign a form giving their personal data, the date and the material consulted. Loans can only be made to recognised botanical institutions. Applications can be made by post or e-mail, giving the name of the institution, the principal researcher who will use the material, their full address, e-mail, a list of the material requested and the reason for the request, as well the date and a signature.
The historical collections are not available for loan, although applications can be made por photographic copies of the sheets.
