Using the Platform
The digital reconstruction of the Du Bois Herbarium enables researchers to explore and manipulate the collection according to different parameters, allowing specimens to be arranged by taxonomy, structure, geography, or collector.
Navigate to the Platform Home
Open the URL https://digitalplant.discapp.link/. On the home page you’ll see options such as “About the du Bois Herbarium”, “Browse Specimens”, “Explore Collector Relationships”, and “Map”. Select “Browse Specimens” to access the collection.
Browsing the Specimens
In “Browse Specimens”, you will see digitised herbarium sheets. Use search or filters (date, geography, collector, classification, or taxonomy) to narrow the view. Click a specimen to open a full view with zoom, label text, and metadata (collector, date, place, classification notes).
Explore Relationships & Themes
Choose “Explore Collector Relationships” to map connections among specimens, collectors, and regions. Use thematic filters like “Science and Colonialism”, “Medicinal Plants”, or “Indigenous & Vernacular Names” to explore the collection. The “Map” view lets you visualise geographic distribution and collection routes.
Changing the Order & Classification View
Rearrange the collection by different parameters: pre-Linnean arrangement, modern taxonomy, date, geography, or collector identity. This enables research that is otherwise physically impossible with the actual herbarium due to conservation constraints.
Downloading & Exporting Data
Many specimen pages allow downloading exporting metadata (CSV). Reuse is often allowed under open-access terms;
Integrating in Research & Teaching
Combine specimens, archives, and metadata for interdisciplinary work. In classrooms, students can compare original classifications with modern taxonomy and trace collection origins for historical analysis.
Tips & Best Practices
Use full-screen zoom to inspect labels. Combine filters (e.g., collector + geography) for network exploration. Some metadata may be incomplete—treat it as a historical source. Always cite the platform and URL properly.