A volunteer spotted the tiny, fuzzy plant with maroon florets while exploring the remote northern corner of Big Bend National ...

Sac State’s herbarium lay dormant for nearly 20 years until Biology Professor Marina LaForgia joined the University. Now it is a thriving space to study plants.

The herbarium regularly hosts research visits and provides data to international researchers working on topics including plant taxonomy, invasive species, medicinal plants and local floristics.

plant taxonomy publications and area experts, according to the release. “Excitement began to grow as it soon became apparent that these tiny plants were not previously known,” the release said.