Herbaria are where much of our understanding of the diversity of plants across the globe is catalogued, preserved and investigated. Oxford University Herbaria is one of the oldest scientific collections in the world. This talk will introduce the Herbaria, explore its foundations and development over the last 400 years. The role of the Herbaria is modern plant sciences teaching and research will also be discussed.

Stephen Harris, PhD in Plant Evolution from St Andrews University, Scotland has been the Druce Curator of Oxford University Herbaria since 1995. Stephen is also a Lecturer at Christchurch since 2002. Stephen has published numerous articles, books and papers on a vast range of topics relating to plant ecology and the Oxford Herbaria collection. He is also a coordinator and main contributor to Oxford’s Plants400 project to celebrate 400 years of plants sciences in the University (http://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400) and curator of the Roots to Seeds Exhibition held in the Weston Library in Summer 2021.

Photo copyright: Oxford University Herbaria, Department of Biology

Our third winter lecture will be held at Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. The talk will start promptly at 2pm and will be followed by tea, coffee and cake, allowing attendees an opportunity to socialise with others.

Cost: £12 for SGT members / £15 for guests.

Booking is essential for catering purposes.