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Database Title

10.2 CHR Herbarium Database

Keywords
Type1.
Type 11.		 Flora; specimens; distribution
Abstract This plant herbarium is the largest in New Zealand. It now contains 566,000 specimens including algae (21,400); lichens (36,000); and bryophytes (114,000). Of the angiosperm specimens approximately 66 percent are indigenous; 21 percent are cultivated or naturalised and 13 percent are foreign material received in exchange.

The herbarium contains c.830 type specimens of vascular plants and many isotypes of algae, lichens and bryophytes.

A computer database is associated with the herbarium. Data is stored in a master table with three linked sub tables. The sub tables address name redeterminations; ecological keywords; and associated species.

The herbarium is being continually added to and the database system updated.(A new database is planned and expected to be implemented by 2003).
Geographical Coverage New Zealand and South West Pacific.
Dataset start date. 1769
Dataset end date. Current.
Status/currency. In progress.
Update frequency. As data becomes available. Approximately 4000 - 7000 specimens are added annually.
Maintenance. Maintained by Landcare Research

 

Technical Evaluation

  
Parameters- what is measured
  • Taxon
  • Location collected
  • Date of collection and collector
Parameters- what is calculated N/A
Methods used to measure parameters Each specimen receives a unique identifier (herbarium code; herbarium sheet number and herbarium sub sheet number). The parameters and other information are recorded with specimen/on the electronic database.
Secondary sources of data N/A
Scale of use. 1:50,000
Number of records 566,000 specimens in herbarium, c. 105,000 in database
GIS compatibility. Unknown.
Available formats for users. Paradox 4, text (delimited), printed copy.
Access constraints. Data on rare and threatened taxa is not distributed to the public.
Measurement Accuracy As provided by collector of specimens (locality data).
Completeness of dataset To be completed by database manager.
Positional accuracy Usually varies from 100m upwards.
Database steward Landcare Research
Database custodian Landcare Research
Database custodian contact person Aaron Wilton
Database custodian Contact
Address

Phone
Fax
Email		 P.O. Box 69
Lincoln
Canterbury
64 3 325 6700
64 3 325 2418
wiltona@landcare.cri.nz
References Wright, A.E. (Ed) 1993. New Zealand herbarium resources 1993. New Zealand National Herbarium Network. Auckland Botanical Society Bulletin 23: 1-31.
Date metadata record prepared. October 1999. Updated 2001
Author of metadata record. Victoria Froude

 

Management Evaluation

  
Original purpose. To store botanical specimens in a central repository.
Relationships with classification systems. Botanical classification systems
Relationships with other databases There are complementary records in other herbaria, especially those in New Zealand.
Known relationships with proposed EPIP indicators. N/A
Who uses this database?
  • Researchers, especially taxonomists and ecologists.
  • Those who need accurate identifications of plant material, especially taxa that are hard to identify.
Public awareness of the database Well known by botanists/ecologists. Not well known by others.
Database strengths.
  • Extensive collection.
  • Long term collection.
  • Includes former private collections.
Database limitations. It can be difficult to clarify whether the abundance of some taxa in the herbarium reflects real trends or an artefact of sampling/survey effort.

 

What are the Current and Emerging Uses of the Database for:

  
Assisting with determining historic state/baseline. It is used to identify past locations for particular taxa.
Assisting with determining current state/baseline. It is used to identify current distribution patterns.
Assisting with modeling possible future outcomes. N/A
Risk assessment. Identification of areas containing threatened species.
Monitoring site selection and sample design. assist in site selection.
Aggregating and reporting data locally, regionally or nationally. N/A

Notes

There are a number of other herbaria which provide complementary information on plant distribution. This includes herbaria at: