Conservation Officer Dr Yip Kwok-leung shows plant specimens that field workers have collected throughout the territory

Hong Kong has become a centre of research for Chinese mainland botanists as they re-examine plant specimens at the 124-year-old Hong Kong Herbarium, the longest running institute of its kind in the region.

The specialists critically re-examined more than 37,000 plant specimens, many of which are rare and protected species. This review has enhanced the herbarium's electronic database and improved public access to its rich collection.

Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Officer Dr Yip Kwok-leung said the herbarium is responsible for the systematic collection, identification and curation of plant specimens in Hong Kong.

"It plays a significant role in supporting the studies on the taxonomy, ecology and conservation of Hong Kong flora. Its collection of specimens, associated field notes and botanical literature also offer good reference materials to botanists," Dr Yip said.

The Hong Kong Herbarium was set up in 1878 by the then Superintendent of the Government Gardens & Tree Planting Department Charles Ford. It started with Mr Ford's personal collections from Hong Kong and South China and has grown to include additions from Indochina, the Philippines, India and Australia.

Full story at www.news.gov.hk "Experts re-examine 37,000 specimens".