The World of Plants

The exhibition presents nearly 500 plant species from all systematic groups, arranged according to the system proposed by the Szweykowskis.

The diversity of the plant world is shown from selected groups of algae through fungi, lichens, mosses, gymnosperms and angiosperms, up to the monocotyledons. Besides the specimens, each with its systematic position and place of occurrence, every family of flowering plants is supplemented with a colourful plate showing the structure of the flower. As a result, apart from its purely cognitive and aesthetic value, the exhibition may also serve as a valuable aid in botany teaching programmes.

Among the most valuable and interesting objects are a large collection of gymnosperm cones, a trunk of Welwitschia mirabilis, a cycad trunk section and a small collection of palms (including the fruit of the coco de mer). For a considerable part of the specimens, visitors will find not only the species name but also a number corresponding to a concise explanation in the exhibition guide prepared by Dr Wanda Stojanowska. Alongside many basic facts on morphology and systematics, this explanation also contains numerous curiosities and supplementary information.