BANGKOK, Thailand, Aug 15 (AsiaNet-Bernama) — The Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium (BCU) , operated by the Department of Botany at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University , serves as a vital hub for plant research and identification in Thailand. Established in 1960, the herbarium supports the academic and research community by maintaining a comprehensive plant specimen collection and offering plant analysis services.
The herbarium has amassed over 20,000 plant specimens and has evolved into a national resource that aids not only academic institutions but also government agencies and private enterprises. The specimens serve as a reference for the study of biodiversity, support the food and pharmaceutical industries, and help identify invasive species. Notably, the herbarium also assists in forensic investigations, showcasing the multidisciplinary applications of botanical science.