Sibbaldia is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). It serves as a platform for the dissemination of research findings, taxonomic revisions, floristic accounts, and other scholarly articles related to botany and horticulture, often reflecting the specific research interests and collections of the RBGE.
Overview Sibbaldia focuses primarily on systematic botany, taxonomy, plant geography, conservation, and the history of botany. Its scope frequently includes studies on the flora of Scotland, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and other regions where the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh conducts fieldwork and maintains botanical collections. The journal publishes original research papers, short communications, and sometimes review articles or special issues on specific botanical themes. It is an important publication venue for botanists, horticulturists, and researchers interested in plant diversity and evolution.
Etymology/Origin The journal's name, Sibbaldia, is derived from the plant genus Sibbaldia, a group of herbaceous plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), with one well-known species being Sibbaldia procumbens. This genus was named in honor of Sir Robert Sibbald (1641–1722), a distinguished Scottish physician, natural historian, and antiquarian. Sir Robert Sibbald was instrumental in the establishment of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and served as the first Professor of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He also played a significant role in the early development of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, the precursor to the modern Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Naming the journal Sibbaldia thus honors a key figure in Scottish natural history and botany, linking the publication directly to the botanical heritage and mission of its publishing institution.
Characteristics
- Publisher: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE).
- Scope: Systematic botany, taxonomy, plant geography, floristics, conservation, horticulture, ethnobotany, history of botany, particularly concerning the research interests and collections of the RBGE.
- Peer Review: Articles submitted to Sibbaldia undergo a rigorous peer-review process by experts in the relevant fields to ensure scientific accuracy and quality.
- Publication Frequency: Typically published annually, although historical frequency may have varied.
- ISSN: ISSN 1474-7278 (print), ISSN 1474-7286 (online).
- Audience: Botanists, taxonomists, horticulturists, conservationists, academic researchers, students, and institutions engaged in botanical research.
Related Topics
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Botany
- Taxonomy
- Horticulture
- Scientific journal
- Sibbaldia (genus)
- Sir Robert Sibbald