VIRTUAL HERBARY OF FLORA AND FUNGI A. DE SAINT-HILAIRE Sergio Romaniuc Neto, Marc Pignal, Sidnei Souza, Dora A. L. Canhos

Abstract

The "Virtual Herbarium A. de Saint-Hilaire" brings together the entire botanical collection of Augustin François-César Prouvençal de Saint-Hilaire (1799-1853), a French naturalist who visited Brazil between 1819 and 1822. The Virtual Herbarium is made up of information bibliographical documents, field notes, maps and illustrations representing the collection, all related to the respective specimens deposited in the herbarium. All information was gathered in an information system that is available on the internet, at hvsh.cria.org.br, for free consultation and is open to contributions from experts. Continuous data analysis qualifies the information available in the virtual herbarium. The dissemination of knowledge takes place through scientific publications and technical and educational workshop programs from partner institutions. It is also worth highlighting the importance of this pilot experience of repatriating scientific and historical data that inspired other initiatives in Brazil, such as the CNPq REFLORA program.