Sherwin Carlquist – A Visionary Botanist and Plant Anatomist
Sherwin Carlquist (1930–2021) was a pioneering American botanist whose groundbreaking work in plant anatomy, island biology, and wood evolution impacted modern botanical science.
Over a prolific career spanning more than six decades, Carlquist published influential studies on xylem anatomy, plant adaptation, and the unique flora of island ecosystems—particularly in Hawaii and Australia. His work not only deepened our understanding of plant physiology and evolution but also illuminated how isolated environments drive biodiversity.
A professor, author, and Guggenheim Fellow, Carlquist was admired for his depth of knowledge, and rigorous scientific methodology. His legacy lives on through his extensive publications, scientific collections, and the generations of botanists he inspired.
In 2018, BRIT Library received Carlquist’s collection of archival materials related to his field expeditions. His biological specimens reside at the California Botanic Garden Herbarium (RSA) in Claremont, California.
The Sherwin Carlquist Collection
The Sherwin Carlquist Collection at BRIT Library comprises approximately 160,000 archival objects created by Carlquist from 1951 – 2012. They relate to his field expeditions, observations, and specimen collections from all over the world. The collection consists of field notebooks, color slides, black and white negatives and prints, and index envelopes. The bulk of the collection are the slides, focusing on aerial, landscape, habitat, habit, macro, and cross-section views of plants. However, non-botanical photographs capture Carlquist’s interest in architecture, cultural anthropology, ethnobotany, history, geography, design, and photography.
Lightbox
Sherwin Carlquist and the Extended Specimen Network
In 2022, BRIT and the California Botanic Garden were awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation to curate, preserve, digitize, and connect Carlquist’s biological and archival collections digitally within a framework known as the Extended Specimen Network (ESN). By virtually joining the collections, the ESN aims to enhance the understanding of both for public access and research.
National Science Foundation award #2133562.
To learn more about Carlquist or become a community scientist and volunteer on the Sherwin Carlquist project, contact library@brit.org
Carlquist NSF Grant Project Team
Ana Niño
Librarian, Research & Collections
Jason Best
Director of Bio Informatics, Research & Collections
Krishna Shenoy
Independent Contractor, Sherwin Carlquist Digitization Project
Sam Ekbert
Independent Contractor, Sherwin Carlquist Digitization Project
Carousel items
-
Collections Insights
Collections Insights brings together three distinct perspectives that reflect the depth and richness of botanical collections—from the relationship between herbaria and libraries to the hidden treasures of archival holdings, and the personal narratives of those working in the field.
-
The Oliver G. Burk Children’s Collection
The Oliver G. Burk Children’s collection is a treasure of both rare and new books on botany and natural history.
-
Library Archives Collection
The BRIT Library houses one of the largest and finest collections of botanical works in the southwestern United States.
-
Rare Book Room Collection
The Discovery Fund Rare Book Room includes an exceptional collection of books and limited-edition items, some of which were published over 200 years ago and are fragile, scarce, or valuable.
-
The Arader Natural History Collection of Art
As one of the newer additions to the Library, the Arader Natural History Collection of Art celebrates art, science, and the beauty of plants and nature.
-
The Stansbery Collection for Botanical Art
Through the generosity of Will and Kay Stansbery, the BRIT library offers access to a collection of books focusing on botanical art and illustration, and art history.
-
Discovery Resources
Explore a curated collection of educational and digital resources from the BRIT Library and beyond.
-
BRIT Library History
In large measure, the library of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas owes its existence to Lloyd H. Shinners and his vision of the future.
-
Participate
In a world of increasing demands and shrinking dollars, you can also support our mission by sponsoring specific resources and preservation efforts.
