otanists of the William L. Brown Center focus on exploration and collection of botanical specimens, samples, and information about the use of plants. Plant samples are gathered to support discovery research, samples of leaves are preserved to support studies of relationships of plant groups, and information and specimens are captured to understand the reliance of traditional societies on plants.

WLB Center researchers are also involved in documenting and preserving information about plant use through ethnobotany and community development projects. Botanical inventory efforts are associated with conservation analyses to help develop red lists, which identify species of conservation concern and categorize the threat they face. Taxonomic studies of crop plants and their wild relatives help us understand the development and evolution of crops and leads to their improvement.