xylotheques, important reference collections

This brief review of the xylotheque as important reference collection aims to bring the true purpose and characteristics of these collections, its configuration and rigorous collection, recording, curation and preservation of specimens, as well as its importance cultural and scientific heritage of humanity. It has a bit of history and situation of xylotheques in the world and national scene and proposes a documented analysis of the benefits and relevance, which aims to encourage the creation of other collections and generate a change in their wrong conception and its forgotten and poor vision of these and the researchers associated with them. Analyzes its immediate and most urgent needs in Colombia, with an approach that aims to ensure and strengthen their support by related institutions, the joint development of specimens acquisition strategies closely with botanical and herbariums and conducting research to support the advancement of conservation policies of our forests, to enable identification of the species being transported and marketed, to help combat illegal logging and improve the use of this valuable material in the country.