It supports research work and may be examined to verify the identity of the plant used in a study. A voucher specimen must be deposited in a recognized herbarium committed to long term maintenance of the specimen. Recognized herbaria are listed by Index Herbariorum . The classification of plants is transitional. Shifts in species alignments and groupings are made as new evidence comes to light.
Identifications are subject to change.
Vouchers specimens help cross-reference these changes to previous research. Getting Started Preplanning for the preparation of voucher specimens is crucial. Establishing official contact with government, herbarium and research personnel in the area you will be working. This is required by law in most countries. Preparation of the Specimens Specimens are pressed in a plant press, which consists of wooden frames, cardboard ventilators, blotters and folded newspaper.