Southern Cape Herbarium

The Southern Cape Herbarium was established in 1995 by Yvette van Wijk and Jan Vlok and was originally housed at the George Museum. When the herbarium at the Saasveld Forestry Technicon closed, its specimens were sent to Pretoria. Yvette and Jan believed that these specimens belonged in George and organized for their return, thus founding the Southern Cape Herbarium.

In 2002, all herbarium specimens were relocated to the Moriarty Centre on Erf 19894 at the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG). This was made possible by Audrey Moriarty, a friend of Yvette van Wijk, who generously purchased Erf 19894 and donated it to the GRBG Trust in 2001 as a home for the Southern Cape Herbarium.

A herbarium is a collection of preserved plant specimens and associated data used for scientific study. These specimens are usually dried, pressed, and mounted on sheets, but can also include seeds, wood sections, or preserved in alcohol. Herbaria are essential for plant taxonomy, the study of geographical distributions, and the conservation of biodiversity. They provide a permanent record of the plant life in an area, which is crucial for research, education, and conservation efforts.

Today, with over 11,000 preserved specimens, the herbarium serves as a crucial resource for the study and conservation of the region’s plant biodiversity. The herbarium aligns closely with the GRBG’s mission of research, conservation, and showcasing the unique flora of the Southern Cape. The herbarium also houses a valued reference library available for students and scientists by appointment.

Its location within the GRBG allows for direct comparison between living specimens and their dried counterparts, enhancing research and educational opportunities. The Southern Cape Herbarium depends on a stable team of volunteers to maintain and preserve the specimen collection. Current goals include photo-recording specimens and expanding the herbarium collection.