From tree to museum: Exploring the hidden value of Xylotheque in the natural sciences

Wood is a valuable material that is produced and treated in the forest workshop using natural resources. The history of these workshops reveals the significance of wood in human life across many regions of the world. As collecting wooden specimens became increasingly popular over time, museums and herbariums emerged to house valuable plant and animal collections. One unique type of collection is the xylarium, or wooden herbarium, where wood samples are stored. The term "xylothek" was originally used when these collections were made available to the public. Xylaria distinguish between collections created for scientific and educational purposes and informal ones made by craftsmen and artisans. The creation of these collections was primarily intended to facilitate collaboration and exchange among the world's greatest xylaria. They also allow for systematic studies by wood anatomists, researchers, and scientists in other fields. Additionally, they serve exhibition, educational, cultural, historical, and commercial purposes. In recent years, modern technologies such as imaging, image analysis, measurement, and artificial intelligence have made it possible for artisans to identify wood with greater precision. These collections have immense value because they increase awareness of biological reserves and attract the attention of experts who record and collect information about them. Wood blocks may seem silent, but they have tremendous potential to enhance our understanding of the natural world and contribute to its preservation.