How a 500-year-old collection of pressed flowers sheds light on demography, human movements

A collection comprising 5,000 specimens of plants, carefully pressed and preserved by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi between 1551 and 1586, was studied by a team of researchers recently. Here is its history.

A herbarium book with Japanese plants, from the Siebold collection from Leiden, the Netherlands (1825). (Via Wikimedia Commons)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

Pressed flowers have a way of taking a person back in time. For a team of researchers confronting a 500-year-old herbarium or systematic collection of pressed flowers, leaves and other plant parts, it was an opportunity to delve into the history of Italy, especially Bologna in the north.

What they found were indications of human disturbance, habitat loss and transformation, climate change and alien species invasion across half a millennium. The collection comprises 5,000 specimens, carefully pressed and preserved by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi between 1551 and 1586.

The paper, titled ‘Botanical memory: five centuries of floristic changes revealed by a Renaissance herbarium (Ulisse Aldrovandi, 1551–1586)’ was published by the Royal Society on November 8. It sheds light on how events such as the discovery of America affected the floristic patterns in lowland temperate Europe. It points out demographic trends in Europe (the European part of the former USSR not included) and indicates species — native and alien — that are extinct or unknown today.

Also Read | Ready to grow roots: Saplings from 17 countries await G20 leaders

“The botanical memory preserved in his herbarium allowed us to track floristic changes in connection with human disturbance, habitat loss and transformation, climate change and alien species invasion across 500 years,” write researcher Fabrizio Buldrini and his team.

Who was Ulisse Aldrovandi?

As fascinating as the herbarium is the person who created it. According to the University of Bologna, Ulisse Aldrovandi was an exceptionally exuberant young man who was hungry for knowledge. Born in Bologna in 1522 to a noble family, Aldrovandi had lost his father at a young age and began to travel early in search of adventure and knowledge.

In 1549, he was accused of heresy and forced to publicly recant in the basilica of San Petronio. He was called to Rome to stand trial again but was saved when an acquaintance, Julius III, rose to the papal throne.

The same year Aldrovandi met Luca Ghini, who had created the first medicinal herb garden in the city of Pisa in 1543. It was life-altering, as it turned Aldrovandi towards the natural world, which he studied with deep devotion. In 1568, he created Bologna’s first and Italy’s fifth botanical garden, which he personally tended until his death.

Story continues below this ad

His herbarium contains the oldest specimens of several species that were introduced to the region from the New World (the Americas), such as Mirabilis jalapa, and from Africa and central and eastern Asia, such as Aloe vera.

“All the American species currently invading Europe, imported for their ornamental or economic interest were not present in Europe at Aldrovandi’s time and were naturalised only in very few sites by the end of the 19th century In this perspective, Aldrovandi’s herbarium preserves the memory of the first signs of a radical transformation of the European flora and habitats,” says the paper.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More