Herbier du FO.FI.FA
Ambatobe
101 Antananarivo
Madagascar
Web: http://www.fofifa.mg/
Raymond Rabevohitra
Email: herbier.tef@wanadoo.mg
The FO.FI.FA Herbarium (TEF) was established in 1948 by René Capuron as part of the government’s forestry service. It is currently administered by the Center for Research on Rural Development (FO.FI.FA). The collections are primarily indigenous trees collected from a network of protected areas, classified forests, and forestry stations in Madagascar. One of TEF’s main objectives is to preserve a reference collection of the woody flora of Madagascar. It is also committed to collecting and preserving primary data for determining the taxonomic framework delimiting one species from another, as well as being a source of geographical information on species distributions.
TEF is estimated to have 60 000 specimens. A complete hand-written catalogue of the specimens collected by official forestry agents of FO.FI.FA is maintained. Computerisation of the collections started in 1992 in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG). TEF specimens are available online through the TROPICOS database, including more than 20 000 of the Service Forestier and Reserves Naturelles series.
Collaboration with international and national partners supports ongoing research and curating activities at TEF and leads to the addition of new specimens, as collaborators must commit to providing duplicates specimens for the herbarium. The research departments of FO.FI.FA focus particularly on plant systematics and specimen identification. TEF contributes to student training and research in collaboration with the University of Antananarivo.
Materials of Special Interest
- Pteridophyte Collection: This collection belongs to the Tsimbazaza Herbarium (TAN) but is temporarily deposited at TEF. It includes specimens from Marojejy, Anjanaharibe Sud, Andapa, Ranomafana, Andringitra, and Andohahela.
- Wood Collection: Contains an estimated 10 000 wood samples linked to voucher specimens. This collection has been the basis for important studies on wood characteristics and properties.
- Liquid-Preserved Specimens: A collection of approximately 1000 flower and fruit specimens preserved in alcohol is available for consultation. Each specimen is associated with a voucher specimen.
- Seedling Collection: Contains approximately 50 specimens of seedlings.
- Library: Consists of the personal collections and notes of René Capuron.