This idea was not my own, I viewed a seed notebook at a training I went to. I found it fascinating! Usually plants are displayed and you can see their differences. In some cases different species look very much so alike. Yet, sometimes the seed are so different from adult plants that species can be identified from them! This is and will be discussed in a future post on the difference between Drosera brevifolia and Drosera capillaris. Anyway, the seed notebook:
Supplies needed:
Coin holders – like for coin collections
Coin holder sheets – again usually for coin collections
A stapler – to seal the coin holder
An adventurous spirit to collect seeds!
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| Quarter size coin holder. |
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| Quarter size coin holder notebook sheet. |
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| All supplies needed to make a seed collection notebook. Folder not included. |
A seed collection is useful as an identification tool when the seeds are properly identified. From my experience, I would find the plant, watch it grow, then collect seeds from it. Using field guides, I could accurately identify plants. Thus I have correctly identified seeds. Well to the best of my abilities. Here is a sample of my first completed sheet:
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| Filled seed collection note sheet. |
We see seeds and know they have differences, but to see them side by side is something else!
A sort of slide, I am then able to look at the seeds in the holders under microscopes.
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| Compound microscope look at a seed collection notebook slide. Flashlight adds extra light. |
This is how I get the close up detailed pictures of seeds. Sometimes 400x magnification of some very small seeds!
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| A look at seeds of a seed collection notebook slide, under a compound microscope. |
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| Seeds in a coin holder for a seed collection notebook. |
Depending on seed size, the coin holder can be folded either way. For the really small seeds, I don’t want any space for the seeds to shift, and I fold the coin holder appropriately. Stapling required some practice, but I got the hang of it. Modifications can be used such as gluing cards together. I used quarter size card holders, but other sizes can be used. I save half dollar holders, but thought that is too big with too few specimens on a single coin holder sheet. Smaller coins seemed too small. But for others, maybe difference sized coin holders would work. It is important to make sure seeds are not allowed to escape from the coin holder. Seeds for this type of display should be for permanent display, without plans of planting. There are ways to sterilize seeds, and this may be a good idea before storing seeds in the coin holders. Do allow seeds to dry before added to a coin holder. Make sure to remove any seed pests. I repeat this because it is important, make sure seeds do not escape the coin holders! Glue may be a good idea. Some seeds may not be practical for such a display, example: a coconut.
I searched the internet for others who posted using this technique, but couldn’t find anything. So hopefully this post may encourage more users to get with the program.
I encourage others to start making seed notebooks with your other botanist friends! Collect and trade seed cards! Be the envy of your peers with the best collection ever!!!! Let me know if you have seeds to trade 😀
Warning: Do not eat seeds. Keep seed collections out of reach of children that may destroy or eat seeds. Do not leave seed collections alone with birds or small mammals which find seeds a primary source of their diet. Seed collecting may become addicting. Non-botanist friends may not share your excitement or enthusiasm collecting seeds, and may not be interesting in looking at your collection. In those cases force your collection upon them to convert them into fellow collectors. Your significant other may distance themselves from you for having a seed collection. In those cases you are probably better off because seed collecting is the bestus!
Thank you for viewing. Comment if you would like. Have a Great day!
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