Plant research center in Sarasota offers visitors glimpse into botanical science

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center is in Sarasota at Marie Selby Gardens.

This state-of-the-art facility safeguards invaluable scientific resources and offers a glimpse into the world of world-class research previously hidden behind the scenes.

"The botanical science work that we do here really revolves around the understanding of plant diversity and distribution. Knowing where a plant grows in the wild is key to conserving it," said VP of botany Bruce Holst at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

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The center houses the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Herbarium and Laboratory, boasting over 125,000 dried and pressed plant specimens alongside molecular scientific work.

There is also a research library with priceless volumes dating back to the 1700s and a spirit laboratory featuring over 35,000 specimens preserved in fluid—ranking as the world’s second-largest collection of its kind.

"One of the other main types of preservation that we do is in liquids. We call it the spirit collection, because it's 70% alcohol, 27% water. And it allows you to see the three-dimensional form of the flower," shared Holst.

The facility also encompasses conference rooms, administrative offices, and a rooftop garden adorned with a solar array.

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"Our collection here has really been hidden behind the scenes for quite a few years. One of our major goals for this project has been to set it up so that people could come in on an appointment basis and take a tour. I think it's going to be really mind-blowing for a lot of people when they see what we have here," said Holst.

This groundbreaking center not only serves as a repository for botanical knowledge but also fosters innovation with its diverse spaces. Researchers and scholars will converge in the conference rooms, tapping into a collaborative environment that propels plant science into new frontiers.

The Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center stands as a testament to Marie Selby Gardens’ dedication to advancing plant research and conservation, making it a hub for scientific discovery and education.