Herbarium is a store of reference material that contain collection of preserved plants (dried form), used for botanical research. In the herbarium, plants are identified, named and classified, resulting in detailed studies of particular group of plants. The herbarium collection also served as reference on history plants diversity and its distribution to evaluate change in forest dynamic over period of time caused by natural and human interventions.

Sarawak Herbarium (SAR)

Sarawak Herbarium was established with the completion of the herbarium building located at Jalan Badruddin, Kuching in March 1961. In 1996, Sarawak Herbarium has moved to the current location that is Research, Development and Innovation Division, Forest Department Sarawak. During the initial period of its establishment, the Sarawak Herbarium had successfully reclaimed and reorganized a few thousand specimens which were previously found scattered in a few herbaria in Sabah, Brunei and Singapore. The collections grew to a total of about 60,000 in 1966 and 85,000 in 1974.

Currently the Sarawak Herbarium’s collection is one of the largest in Malaysia, containing around 300,000 plant specimens overall. These specimens contain a wealth of information about plants that have been collected over a decade. The oldest type specimen stored in the Sarawak Herbarium is Melastomataceae from species Ochthocaria ovata collected in 1890 and Cyanandrium rufum (TYPE specimen) collected in 1895.

Overall functions of the Sarawak Herbarium are:

i. To make authentic collection of all Sarawak plants
ii. To preserve plant materials of historical values
iii. To carry out basic research and provide results through publications
iv. To provide supporting facilities for the study of related sciences such as botany, taxonomy, ecology and sivilculture
v. To provide data and information for sustainable forestry management and planning

vi. To provide awareness on biodiversity conservation to the public

Sarawak Herbarium

Ochthocaria ovata

Cyanandrium rufum

Specimens of Sarawak Herbarium

Specimens in Sarawak Herbarium are divided into Dicotyledon, Monocotyledon, Gymnosperm and Pteridophytes. Some specimens are also kept as in wet specimen and carpological (seed) collection. All herbarium data are stored into a computerized database, BRAHMS (Botanical Research and Herbarium Management System).

Herbarium specimens are stored in metal cabinets and arranged in an alphabetical order within their respective groups. The specimens are kept in labeled folders of four different colors that are white folder (indicate specimens collected in Sarawak), blue folder (specimens from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia), yellow folder (specimens from overseas) and pink folder (referred as TYPE specimen).

Curation of the specimens often being updated by visiting researchers from other institutions worldwide, hence making it as a reliable source for reference. Over 100 researchers visited Sarawak Herbarium yearly.

Operation and maintenance of Sarawak Herbarium

Sarawak Herbarium requires constant attention to ensure the herbarium is in good operation and all specimens are in proper condition. The work maintenance follows environmental standards for herbarium collection which includes controlled humidity and temperature, proper storage, and pest control. Frequent checking is done by herbarium staff to detect the specimens in need of treatment, repair or remounting. Comprehensive data entries into computerized database (BRAHMS) are important to make all herbarium specimens digitally recorded.

Under RMK-11 (2016-2020), all collection rooms consisting herbarium, insectarium, fungarium and xylarium in Forest Department Sarawak are included in the project Enhancement of Database on Biodiversity, Soil and Forest Environment. The objectives of the project are to provide quality herbarium, insect, fungus, soil, and plant specimen database as complete reference for researchers and educational institutions. The funding allowed further improvement to collection rooms especially Sarawak Herbarium to maintain and upgrade facilities such as the usage of licensed database, additional storage cabinets, and other necessary materials and equipment for optimum operation. 

Sarawak Herbarium rules and procedure

1. Any visit requires prior approval or appointment made through the curator.
2. Upon arrival, please inform the officer in charge or other staff member, and sign the herbarium’s visitors list stating the purpose of your visit.
3. No food or beverages are allowed in herbarium rooms.
4. Specimens in cabinet are arranged alphabetically by families, genus and species. Please make sure all specimens are stored back properly to its designated place.
5. Please note that the herbarium specimens are fragile, careful handling are required:

- Use flat surface to view the specimens and keep them horizontal all the times.

- Always hold individual specimen with both hands and never turn the herbarium sheet upside down.

6. Leave new identifications on the table with determination notes and notify the staff members.

7. Cabinet doors should always be closed when they are not in use.

8. The needs to remove any materials from specimen must through approval by the Curator of Sarawak Herbarium.

9. Always keep the herbarium clean and tidy after use.

Loan regulation and distribution of duplicates

Most herbaria lend materials to other institutions. For Sarawak Herbarium, any requests for specimen loans must be made through the curator and are approved for a period of a year. Only abundant and recent specimens are loaned out. Request for TYPE specimens are usually not considered. At present, Sarawak Herbarium is distributing duplicates to 8 herbaria that are Kepong Herbarium (KEP), Sandakan Herbarium (SAN), Singapore Herbarium (SING), Kew Herbarium (KEW), National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Leiden (L), Missouri Herbarium (MO), Edinburgh Herbarium (E) and Aarhus University Herbarium (AAU).