Advice in the first instance should be sought from the local District Agronomist. When this is not possible, specimens should be submitted as follows

Collection of plant specimens

All specimens sent should consist of a small branch or portion of the stem, 20 30 cm long, showing the leaves in position together with flowers and/or fruits. Owing to the tremendous number of plant species, it is difficult, and sometimes impossible to determine specimens from leaves alone.

For small plants and grasses, the whole of the plant should be sent, with the exception of the terrestrial or ground orchids when only the parts above ground should be collected.

With small ferns and fern allies, the rhizome (root like structure) is required, while in the tree ferns the scales or hairs at the base of the stalk of the frond are essential for identification.

Eucalypts can be difficult to identify without samples of the buds, fruit and juvenile leaves, in addition to the adult foliage. Information on the bark type, the extent of rough bark when present, habit and the habitat are very important.

Labelling of plant specimens

Each plant specimens should be numbered and a second set of specimens with corresponding numbers retained.

The data and place of collection should be given, as well details of the habit of growth, height, flower colour, habitat, type of soil, and, in the case of trees, a description of the bark.

Specimens from other states, which may be unfamiliar to local botanists, particularly require adequate specimen preparation, precise locality details, and notes on the main features of the plants and their habitats.

A list of identifying names or information corresponding to the numbers will be reported. Specimens will only be returned on special request.

Not more than 12 specimens will be named in one collection, except under special circumstances.

The cooperation of inquirers is appreciated in supplying further information or material when rare specimens, or specimens of special interest, have been identified.

Storage and despatch of plant specimens

Press and dry specimens between newspaper sheets.

Fresh specimens should not be forwarded unless particularly requested.

Specimens forwarded for identification should be addressed to:

The Director
(Attention: Botanical Inquiry Section)
National Herbarium
Royal Botanic Gardens
SYDNEY 2000

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