Welcome to the exhibition ‘Threatened Seeds: A Journey through the Microscope’ presented by the Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), in collaboration with the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
In this exhibition, you will discover seeds with astonishing shapes, colours and structures through 40 images of seeds of species listed under Spain´s Special Protection Regime for Wild Species. By integrating different microscopy techniques with photography, we capture details beyond the visible. Macroscopic photographs taken with stereomicroscopy reveal the diversity of colours and shapes, while microphotographs taken with a scanning electron microscope uncover the most hidden details.
The exhibition serves three main purposes:
1. To enhance knowledge and understanding of science and technology.
2. To provide accessible environments that expand the reach of conservation programmes
3. To promote inclusion in the awareness and protection of biodiversity.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the characteristics of some of Spain’s most vulnerable plant species, discover where they grow, and learn about the strategies developed to protect them. This is a unique opportunity to see, touch and experience seeds like never before.
Credits
Curator of the exhibition: Leopoldo Medina, Yolanda Ruiz-León and Silvia Villegas Navarro
Photographs and photo editing: Carlos de Mier and Yolanda Ruiz-León
Elaboration of the contents: Leopoldo Medina, Alejandro Santiago and Silvia Villegas Navarro
Collaboration in the donation of materials:
- Seed Bank (BGVMA). Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC
- Seed Bank (JBVAL-BG). Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia
- Seed Bank (BG-JBCLM). Botanical Garden of Castilla-La Mancha
Acknowledgements:
- RJB-CSIC Director: María-Paz Martín.
- Vice-Director for Research and Documentation RJB-CSIC: Isabel Sanmartín
- Communication Unit RJB-CSIC: Jesús García Rodrigo, Marisa Esteban y Juan Carlos Hernández
- Scientific Culture Unit RJB-CSIC: Irene Fernández de Tejada de Garay and Clara Vignolo Pena
- Protocol and External Relations Unit RJB-CSIC: Encarna García
- Myxotropic Project
- Flora iberica Project
- RJB-CSIC: Carlos Aedo and Pablo Vargas
- Seed Bank of the University of Almeria (GERMHUAL)