From the Pacific to the Caribbean, from Mexico to Southeast Asia, plant species -- even entire plant communities -- are vanishing along with the knowledge of their usefulness to native cultures. Some individuals are at work to save what is left, while others are struggling to know what is there. Botanists from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History travel throughout the world, surveying disappearing natural habitats and preserving specimens for the U.S. National Herbarium (housed at the Museum of Natural History) and for other botanic institutions around the globe. The work is key to preserving each country's national heritage as the scientists record local ethnobotanical knowledge and assist in each nation's race against the loss of biodiversity. Learn about this vital work of our "Botanical Partner on the Mall."