Herbier du Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza
Tsimbazaza
Antananarivo 101
Madagascar
Fax: +261 (0)20 2235344
Web: http://www.refer.mg/edu/minesup/organe/pbztbien.htm
Mr. Rolland Ranaivojaona
Email: prota.madagascar@wanadoo.mg
The Tsimbazaza Herbarium (TAN) was established in 1950 as a subdepartment of the Flora Department at PBZT. It is one of two national herbaria in Madagascar. In addition to Malagasy native species, TAN contains collections from other Indian Ocean islands, certain countries of the African mainland, Europe, and Asia. Specimens collected by notable French botanists (Bosser, Cours Darne, Decary, Descoings, Humbert, and Morat) were deposited at TAN during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. TAN has collaborated with numerous local (Antananarivo University, ANGAP, PSFH) and foreign (MBG, Kew, CAS, Neuchâtel and Vienna Universities) institutions, resulting in many additional collections. There are an estimated 80 000 specimens at present.
By 1994, TAN had reached capacity, but continued to grow at an average of 3000 specimens per year. The lack of space meant that the new specimens had to be placed in storage and were thus unavailable for researchers. However, in 2004, an extension to the building was completed and TAN can now accommodate all of its materials. Computerisation of the TAN collections commenced in 1992 in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG). Approximately 20 000 of TAN’s specimen records, belonging to 65 different plant families, are currently available through TROPICOS.
Current research being undertaken at TAN is focused on Pachypodium (Researcher: Solo Rapanarivo), Impatiens (Researcher: Elisette Rahelivololona), and Coffea (Researcher: Franck Rakotonasolo). Additionally, a general botanical inventory is being conducted by Rolland Ranaivojaona, Hanta Razafindraibe, and Jacqueline Razanatsoa.
Materials of Special Interest
- Fonds Grandidier Library: Contains books, periodicals, and document archives dating from 1500 to 1955 that originated from Alfred Grandidier’s important collection. The library consists of approximately 12 000 documents, including 3000 photos (late 19th and early 20th centuries), 5218 books, and 279 maps. The library is open to the public Monday through Friday.
- Botanical Library: This library is affiliated with the Flora Department and consists of 1 430 books, 2 700 scientific reprints (mostly taxonomic), and 130 periodical titles.
- Living Collections: Consist of gardens that occupy 7 ha and an orchid greenhouse. These have been established within the past three decades and contain important living plant collections. Most of the plants were brought directly from their natural habitats in Madagascar and transplanted to the garden once acclimatised.
- Thematic Gardens: These include the Arboretum (with its collection of Pandanus species); the Palm Grove (350 palm trees belonging to 50 species); a Malagasy rock garden; an African rock garden (mainly Aloe species); and an American rock garden (mainly Cactaceae).