In a tribute to her advocacy work, Lady Gaga has a fern genus named after her, housed in Duke University’s herbarium. The Gaga genus was established in 2012 when researchers reclassified certain ferns, creating a new genus.
The ferns in this genus resemble Lady Gaga’s 2010 Grammy Awards performance costume during their bisexual reproductive stage, and they possess a unique genetic signature spelling out “GAGA.”
Two species were named after her: Gaga germanotta, after her real name Stefani Germanotta, and Gaga monstraparva, meaning “monster-little” in homage to her fanbase, the Little Monsters.
Duke University’s Herbarium Section (Credits: The New York Times)
However, the future of the Duke University herbarium, where these specimens reside, is uncertain. The university recently announced plans to close the century-old herbarium and redistribute its 825,000 specimens over the next few years. This decision has sparked concern among researchers and the scientific community.
Kathleen Pryer, the herbarium’s director, described the closure as a historic abandonment, highlighting the impact on the herbarium’s legacy and research.
She emphasized the herbarium’s importance, noting that its faculty members have secured substantial grants for research but that these grants do not cover all the associated costs.
Several factors have contributed to the closure decision. The herbarium’s facilities are in need of renovation, coinciding with the impending retirement of its five faculty members.
The university’s failure to hire new staff to replace those retiring has exacerbated the situation, leading to the current decision to close the herbarium.
The closure of the Duke University herbarium represents a significant loss for the scientific community. The herbarium’s collections are invaluable for research, conservation, and education, and its closure raises concerns about the future of similar institutions around the country.
