The researcher will need to visit the major herbaria and germplasm collections of the target taxon from the target area. This is because they are important sources of relevant ecogeographic data in the form of passport data from previous collecting missions.

Money and time restrictions usually limit the number of herbaria or collections that can be visited so it is important that the most appropriate ones be chosen. Taxonomists and area specialists can assist here in making the choice. Index Herbariorum also lists where the important herbarium collections are housed.

Copyright © 1997, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute.