Curatorial Procedures
Labels
Our policy calls for each plant in the collections to be labeled with two anodized aluminum labels that are embossed, using a DataCard 295 embosser, with its accession number, botanical name, family, provenance data, and/or lineage number, and means of propagation and location on the Arboretum grounds. Letter designations are appended to the accession number to identify individuals of a particular accession. An example of a typical records label follows.
How to read a plant label
In addition, many trees and shrubs bear trunk or display labels of larger format that provide common and scientific names, nativity, and the botanical family to which the genus belongs. Stake labels are used to interpret collections in the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden, Explorers Garden (Chinese Path), Bradley Rosaceous Collection and Hunnewell Building areas.
Mapping
The Arboretum utilizes a suite of ESRI Desktop and Mobile GIS software applications to manage, analyze, query, capture, manipulate, and display geographic information. Field mapping of landscape features (e.g., plants, benches) is accomplished using decimeter accurate Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware aquired from Trimble. A grid system overlaid onto the base map divides the property into 70 individual maps, each 400 feet by 600 feet, and each map is further divided into 4 quadrants labeled as NW, NE, SW, SE.
Explore an interactive map of the Arboretum or search for the location of living plants using our online plant inventory.
Search Arnoldia to read more about historic cartographic efforts at the Arnold Arboretum.
Records
Collections management at the Arnold Arboretum ensures the highest level of documentation. Records for each accession in the collection are maintained in a PC-based database application (BG-BASE).
For each accession, the database stores information on the source; specific provenance data; date of acquisition; accepted botanical name and its synonyms; size of the plant upon receipt as well as at intervals throughout its existence in the collection; number of plants; map location on the grounds; and the presence of any vouchers in the cultivated herbarium or photographic images. Additional data may include performance observations; unique ornamental characteristics; growth and survival rates; hardiness potential; specific propagation techniques required; a botanical description; taxonomic verifications; and notes on storm damage, susceptibility to insects or diseases, or experimental data. Observations on plant collections are ongoing and formal assessment activities are documented in the Arboretum’s Plant Inventory Operations Manual (April, 2011).
Identification, Taxonomy, and Nomenclature
The living collections of the Arnold Arboretum are curated to ensure that plants are correctly identified, that contemporary taxonomic or classification schemes are being considered, and lastly, that accurate nomenclature is being applied. A number of activities assist curatorial staff in accomplishing these goals: voucher herbarium specimens are prepared and deposited in the Cultivated Herbarium, the identity and correct name of accessions are researched, and the scientific literature is regularly reviewed. Also, because the collections are a resource for scientists around the world, much ‘taxonomic progress’ (i.e., changes in identification, taxonomy and/or names) occurs as a result of their research.
Contact Us
For more information on obtaining collection access, visit our Availability of Research and Propagation Materials page.