The Wood Collection (Xylarium) Of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's Wood Collection (Xylarium) stands as a comprehensive archive of 34,314 wood specimens, originating from the 19th century and expanding through global expeditions, institutional transfers, and collaborations. This collection, housed in a purpose-built research store with an online database, serves as a valuable resource for plant anatomy research, historical studies, wood isotope analysis, biochemistry, and education. Its diverse origins—ranging from imperial institutions to aristocratic estates—and its integration of plant anatomy slides since the 1930s underscore its multifaceted utility in both scientific inquiry and educational contexts.

Cornish, C., Gasson, P., & Nesbitt, M. (2014). The Wood Collection (Xylarium) Of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. IAWA Journal, 35(1), 85–104. https://doi.org/10.1163/22941932-00000050