The Herbarium at the Missouri Botanical Garden may not be a tourist attraction but its 8 million specimens from all over the world are invaluable. The enormous collection of dried plants – started in the 1840’s – is a testament to the courage and tenacity of many field botanists who ventured into unexplored areas in search of new species.
The Herbarium receives boxes every week filled with these “mystery” samples that need to be documented, described and named. Senior Curator, Charlotte M. Taylor holds the distinction of naming more species of plants than any other woman alive. Taylor has also played a big role in paving the way for other female botanists by setting an example of what is possible in their field.