Many people want to try their hand at making botanical specimens but are stymied by the complexity of the process.

As a matter of fact, as a novice, you can reduce your difficulty in getting started.

Plants with simple structures that do not require complex treatment are suitable for specimens, for example, the process of making specimens of leaves is very simple. But if it is a flower, even cleaning needs to be doubly careful, or it will be very easy to flaws.

1. Flowering Plants (Angiosperms)

Flowering plants encompass the largest group of plants on Earth and offer a wide range of suitable species for botanical collections. Some common examples include:

- Dicotyledons: Roses (Rosa spp.), Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), Daisies (Asteraceae family), and Orchids (Orchidaceae family).

- Monocotyledons: Lilies (Lilium spp.), Onions (Allium spp.), Grasses (Poaceae family), and Orchids (Orchidaceae family).

2. Conifers (Gymnosperms)

Conifers are an ancient group of plants with unique reproductive structures. They are well-suited for botanical collections due to their distinctive leaves, cones, and overall morphology. Notable examples include:

- Pines (Pinus spp.), such as the Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata).

- Spruces (Picea spp.), such as the Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and the Blue Spruce (Picea pungens).

- Firs (Abies spp.), including the Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) and the Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri).

3. Ferns and Fern Allies (Pteridophytes)

Ferns and fern allies, which reproduce via spores, provide interesting specimens for botanical collections. They showcase a range of unique shapes, textures, and frond patterns, including species like: Bracken Fern (Pteridium spp.), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.), Royal Fern (Osmunda spp.), Horsetails (Equisetum spp.).

4. Mosses (Bryophytes)

Mosses represent an important group of plants in botanical research, particularly for studying ecological processes, microhabitats, and adaptation. Some common moss genera suitable for collections include: Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.), Haircap moss (Polytrichum spp.), Rock moss (Fissidens spp.).

5. Algae and Cyanobacteria

Including algae and cyanobacteria, as well as other microbial organisms, in botanical collections can provide valuable insights into aquatic ecosystems and microorganisms' roles in ecological processes. Notable examples include: Green Algae (Chlorophyta), Diatoms (Bacillariophyta), Red Algae (Rhodophyta), Filamentous Cyanobacteria (e.g., Oscillatoria spp.).

6. Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants

In addition to ecological and taxonomic considerations, botanical collections often focus on economically important and culturally significant plants. These include species with traditional medicinal uses or those utilized for food, textiles, or building materials. Examples may include: Ginseng (Panax spp.), Aloe Vera (Aloe vera), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa).