News

By Zamda George, CMU

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is home to one of Tanzania’s three prestigious and treasured  national-level herbaria, an invaluable resource for researchers, conservationists, and the public, we can contentedly report.

Established as a beacon of botanical research and conservation in 1965, and located within the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS) in the Department of Botany, the Herbarium boasts a rich history, with some specimens dating back to 1926. Internationally coded as DSM, it is the oldest and largest Herbarium in the country.

Famously known as a living archive of plant diversity, the Herbarium hosts a diverse collection of over 63,000 specimens, including algae, bryophytes (moss plants), pteridophytes (ferns and their relatives), gymnosperms, and a wide array of flowering plants (angiosperms).

According to Prof. Flora Magige, Principal of CoNAS, the herbarium’s specimens represent various plant forms—trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and lianas—capturing the immense diversity of Tanzania's flora. The herbarium safeguards rare and endangered species from both protected and unprotected areas.

“It houses some historical records, such as plants collected by the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. It also includes specimens from Mwananyamala, a region once characterised by lush vegetation but now heavily urbanised and dominated by modern infrastructure. This transition underscores the herbarium’s critical role in documenting ecological changes over time”, said Prof. Magige.

A Hub for research and education: Bridging the past and the future

Prof. Magige said that over the years, the herbarium has served as a vital resource for both UDSM researchers and the broader scientific community, both within and outside the country. “Staff, students, and visiting scholars use the collection to study plant taxonomy, ecology, and conservation”.

“It provides public access, supporting education and awareness about Tanzania's rich botanical heritage. This is not just a collection of plants; it is also a repository of our natural history and a tool for understanding the biodiversity challenges we face today. This resource is pivotal for both academic inquiry as well as public education”, said Prof. Magige.

Prof. Magige added that the herbarium’s historical specimens offer unique insights into Tanzania’s past ecosystems, while its ongoing collections track how flora has adapted—or been impacted—by human activities .

“Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only competent but also attuned to societal and environmental challenges. The herbarium exemplifies this commitment by serving as both a research tool and an educational resource”, she said.

According to Prof. Samora Macrice Andrew, Head of the Department of Botany, the specimens housed in the herbarium are a testament to the rich biodiversity of Tanzania. “Our work ensures these plants are not just remembered but actively studied to address contemporary environmental challenges including climate change”.

A National asset that preserves the future

As one of only three national-level herbaria—the others being the National Herbarium of Tanzania in Arusha and Lushoto Herbarium located at Lushoto, the UDSM Herbarium plays a critical role in national conservation efforts. Its comprehensive collection supports local and international researchers, contributing to the global understanding of plant biodiversity.

Looking ahead, the University intends to digitize the herbarium’s collections, making them accessible to researchers and enthusiasts worldwide. This initiative aligns with global efforts to modernize botanical research and conservation, ensuring the preservation of Tanzania’s botanical heritage for generations to come.

Prof. Magige invites researchers, extension agents, policymakers, and the public to engage with the herbarium fully. “By understanding and protecting our plants, we safeguard the ecosystems that sustain life on earth”.

The University of Dar es Salaam Herbarium stands as a testament to the power of preservation, education, and research. In a rapidly changing world, it offers a bridge between Tanzania’s ecological past and its sustainable future.

About the Department of Botany

The Department of Botany, which was established in 1965, offers a range of degree programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate, aimed at equipping students with practical and research-oriented knowledge.

The programs include Bachelor of Science in Botanical Sciences (3 years);  Master of Science in Applied Botany (2 years); Master of Science in Botany (by Thesis) (2 years);) and PhD in Botany (by Thesis) (3 years)

In addition to these independent programs, the department contributes to interdisciplinary fields through its involvement in other degree programmes including, BSc. with Education, BSc. in Wildlife Science, BSc. in Beekeeping and Technology, MSc. Biodiversity Conservation, Biochemistry, and Integrated Environmental Management.

The department is actively encouraging prospective students to join its programs, emphasizing its rich history, state-of-the-art resources, and the diverse career opportunities awaiting graduates in research, conservation, and education.

“By joining our department, students become part of a legacy of excellence in botanical sciences. Whether their passion lies in plant taxonomy, conservation, or ecological management, our programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed”, said Prof. Andrew, Head of the Department.