Economic Botany Collection

Catalogue no.:

88 (temporary)

Botanical classification:

BETULACEAE Betula sp.

Common name:

Birch

Geographical description:

Russia

Item description:

Birch bark jewellery

Length:

Ring: 2cm diameter, 1.5cm high
Bracelet: 6cm diameter, 3.2cm high
Earrings: 2.4cm wide, 2.2cm long
Brooch: 5cm diameter

Plant information:

Deciduous trees and shrubs of 60 species from temperate regions.

Donor:

Ruth Smith has spent many years collecting botanical jewellery from around the world and donated her large collection to Kew in 2005. It numbers over 200 items, made from various plant parts such as seeds and bark, from a wide range of species.