The steps of making a plant specimen generally include the following steps:
1.Plant sample collection: Select healthy, representative plant individuals for collection. You can choose whole plants or some plants for collection, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, etc.
2.Specimen collection records: Detailed information should be recorded during collection, including the date of collection, the location of collection, the name of the plant (to ensure accuracy as much as possible), the habitat, etc. This information will be used as a label on the back of the specimen.
3.Preparation of specimen materials: Wash the plant samples thoroughly to remove attached soil, bugs, etc. If necessary, strawberry acid soaking or soaking in preservatives can be carried out to prevent rot and insect damage. Also, prepare some label paper and herbarium paper.
4.Sample arrangement: According to the characteristics and needs of plants, plant samples are organized. On smaller plants, there is an option to process whole plant samples;On large plants, you can choose to treat part or part of the stems and leaves. Local structures such as leaves, flowers, fruits, etc., can be separated and preserved optionally.
5.Specimen fixation: Unfold the sorted plant samples on the specimen paper, arrange them flatly, and correct them as needed to ensure that the morphology and structure of the plant parts can be clearly seen. Indicate the scientific name, date and location of the plant on the specimen paper, and use scotch tape or specimen clips to clamp the specimen and fix it on the specimen paper.
6.Drying treatment: Place the fixed specimen in a ventilated and dry place for natural drying to ensure that the plant specimen is completely dry. The drying time can vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on the type and size of the plant.
7.Specimen protection: Put the dried plant specimens in a drying box or sealed bag, and add a moisture-proof agent to prevent the specimen from getting wet. There is an option to use a specimen cabinet or box for long-term storage.
8.Preparation of specimen records: make specimen records or databases, and record the collected information, specimen information and specimen storage locations for subsequent query and use.
The above are the common steps for making plant specimens, and there may be subtle differences and additional steps depending on different needs and purposes.