The more intensive period of plant harvesting begins, extending all the way into late autumn. In the garden, some results are very successful, while others are somewhat less so, and some hardly appear at all. Nevertheless, we do not allow ourselves to be discouraged and repeatedly continue onward. Anyone who works with a garden is well acquainted with the risks, without which gardening itself would not exist. During the harvesting period, nature dictates its own pace, and it is necessary to adapt to its rhythm; otherwise, the long-awaited bloom passes by quickly. My own herbarium collection is gradually expanding, and I would also like to mention the herbarium collection of the first Croatian female botanist, Marija Selebem de Cattani, who worked in the Zadar area, with whom I share not only a name but also a love for flora.
Marija Selebem de Cattani was the first Croatian female botanist, born in Split on May 20, 1789. Influenced by her father, who was a mathematician and naturalist, she developed an early love for flora and fauna. In 1809, she married Domenico Baldassare de Cattani, originally from Imola in Italy, who had moved to Split with his parents and brother. Since he was an official who traveled extensively, Marija herself had the opportunity to continue exploring the nature of Dalmatia, as she had already begun during her childhood. She was interested in insects, especially butterflies, and was also well acquainted with shells and snails.
She collected a rich assortment of 400 algae species, and not only could she find and identify them, but she also created beautiful images from them in the form of postcards and greeting cards. Her collections of algae and flowers enriched many museums and institutes. Marija was the only woman among the pioneers of Dalmatian botany, and she spent her most productive botanical years in the Zadar region.
Although she was a self-taught naturalist (as institutional education for women was unavailable at that time), her dedicated work led to the discovery of a completely new endemic lily species named after her: Lilium cattaniae Vis. — in Croatian: vrtoglav, Katanija’s lily, a dark crimson lily. Her research achievements were recognized among naturalists worldwide. She received numerous awards; however, due to neglect, ignorance, and lack of awareness, her herbarium collections were discarded after her death. Still, some parts of her herbarium have been preserved in natural history museums and private collections in Zadar, Split, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik.
Throughout history, women have been present and played significant social roles, and their influence comes to light. Whether wealthy or from poorer social classes, they all made contributions that enriched our historical heritage.
Blog/news
The Connection Between One’s Own Work and the Local Environment
The Beginnings of Botany in Dalmatia
Collaboration Between Herbarij Studio and the Association Mala Filozofija
IN Design Fair with Mirjana Mikulec
Interview: HERBARIJ STUDIO — Herbaria Are a Lasting Reminder of Both the Fragility and the Strength of Life — Zadarski List
Interview: INDIZAJN TALK — Maria-Lucia Fatović Brings Us Back to Nature and Childhood Through Her Herbaria
Interview: PELCER — Herbarij Studio: A Conversation About Plants That Last
