ABSTRACT
Forensic botany is an interdisciplinary discipline where the knowledge of botanical science is applied to solve the crime for the purpose of law and justice. This discipline of applied science encompasses various standard guidelines for searching, recognizing, documenting, collecting, and preserving botanical evidence present on the scene of the crime. As searching and recognizing botanical evidence present on the scene can be a tedious job for even professional botanists, the proper collection and packaging of trace botanical evidence can also be a challenging task. Because the proper collection, suitable packaging, and adequate amount of botanical sample storage decide the result of its forensic analysis. Forensic botanists usually preferred the gloved hand and forceps for collection and paper bags or cardboard boxes for packaging the trace evidence present on crime scene, clothing or body of suspect or victim. While in case of large botanical evidence on the scene or evidence found during the autopsy of a deceased victim or other complex situations, the suitable collection and packaging techniques can be varied accordingly. Therefore, collection methods depend on the type and nature of the crime scene, botanical evidence, and its location. This chapter provides insights into the proper collection and suitable packaging techniques during different types of crime scenes and evidence.
