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. 2013 Oct 29;1(11):apps.1300076.
doi: 10.3732/apps.1300076. eCollection 2013 Nov.

Why vouchers matter in botanical research

Theresa M Culley  1
Affiliations

Why vouchers matter in botanical research

Theresa M Culley. Appl Plant Sci. .

Abstract

What is a voucher and why is it important in research? As a preserved specimen of an identified taxon deposited in a permanent and accessible storage facility, the voucher serves as the supporting material for published studies of the taxon and ensures that the science is repeatable. Vouchers are crucial in authenticating the taxonomy of an organism, as a tool for identifying localities of the taxon, and for additional taxonomic, genetic, ecological, and/or environmental research.

Keywords: climate change; herbarium specimen; taxa; taxon; taxonomy; voucher.

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