A trial for good use of herbarium specimens to assess local environment

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The vegetation developing in the Yukidori Valley, Langhovde, East Antarctica, was investigated as based upon the structure of moss colonies of 120 samples in vertical cross-section. These specimens have been housed in the herbarium of National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR). We tried to use herbarium specimens to attempt a Classification of the structure of the cushion by determination of the specific composition, thickness of the cushion, differentiation of surface green part and brown part, and decomposed part. In addition, the structural elements such as rhizoidal zones and epiphytic condition of cyanobacteria and imperfect lichens seen in the cross-section are examined and measured. and discussed these scientific significance.These colonies were consisted of pure colonies. and mixed colonies composed of two or three moss species. Each colony was classified into flat type and uneven type. The significance of the green part, brown part and sandy soil mixed with humus which were seen in the vertical cross-section. and epiphytic organisms and rhizoidal layers on the surface or in the inside of cushion were considered. The relationships among the thickness of colony, ratio of green and brown parts, sandy soil part and rhizoidal layers were analyzed.