Visiting the Missouri Botanical Gardens and delving into the archives alongside my research team was an enriching experience. The archives housed a plethora of plant specimens dating as far back as the 18th century. What fascinated me the most was the historical narrative encapsulated within these documents. Each document or plant specimen contributed a piece to the larger story, which unfolded as we organized and examined them collectively.
One particular plant that caught my attention was Sporobolus wrightii. Despite its age dating back to 1840, it appeared remarkably well-preserved, resembling some variety of wheat or grain. Additionally, I found it intriguing to note that some documents originated from regions now within present-day America but were listed as part of Mexico at the time. Moreover, newer archives included detailed information such as species-genus and location of discovery. My curiosity led me to investigate the origins and purposes behind these archives. It became evident that many botanists undertook expeditions to explore diverse regions, collecting both new and known plant species for research purposes. The documents contained a diverse array of plant species spanning various historical periods and geographical regions. While lacking in narrative, one could speculate about the context based on the year and location of discovery.
During our visit, we were challenged to identify instances of potential within the documents and discern opportunities to fill in any gaps. I concluded that instances of potential could be found in unidentified species documented within the archives. Uncovering and understanding the stories they hold could offer valuable insights for our research or simply contribute to our collective knowledge.
In conclusion, my visit to the Missouri Botanical Gardens and the exploration of its archives were not just educational endeavors but transformative experiences that deepened my appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of botanical history, I am reminded of the profound impact that human curiosity and ingenuity have had on our understanding of the world around us.
Here’s a couple images I took during our visit.
