The “Philip A. Munz Field Notebook, Plant Collections 7804–8912” is a meticulously documented record of botanical fieldwork conducted by renowned American botanist Philip A. Munz during the spring and summer of 1924. This notebook is part of the California Botanic Garden’s field notebook collection and offers invaluable insights into Munz’s extensive plant collection efforts across Southern California.

Spanning 188 pages, the notebook details Munz’s plant collections primarily from San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Each entry includes precise information such as collection numbers (ranging from 7804 to 8912), specific collection dates, and the geographic locations where the plants were found. Munz’s annotations also encompass notes on plant morphology, habitat descriptions, and ecological observations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the flora in these regions during that period.

Philip A. Munz (1892–1974) was a distinguished botanist and taxonomist, serving as a Professor of Botany at Pomona College and later as the Executive Director of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now known as the California Botanic Garden). His dedication to documenting and studying Southern California’s native plants culminated in his seminal work, “A Manual of Southern California Botany” (1935), and the extensive “A California Flora” (1960), which remains a cornerstone reference for botanists and researchers. Munz’s field notebooks, including the 7804–8912 collection, were instrumental in the development of these comprehensive floras.

The digitization and public accessibility of this field notebook through platforms like California Revealed and the Internet Archive have significantly contributed to the preservation and dissemination of botanical knowledge. Researchers, educators, and enthusiasts can now explore Munz’s firsthand observations, enhancing our understanding of California’s botanical heritage and the historical context of plant distribution and ecology. This collection not only honors Munz’s legacy but also serves as a vital resource for ongoing botanical studies and conservation efforts in the region.