Western Australia has an exceptionally rich array of biota, ecosystems and habitats. Over 12,500 kinds of vascular plant have been discovered in the state's 2.5 million square kilometres and more than 60 per cent of the species are endemic to WA. The south western part of the state is internationally recognised for its flowering plant diversity. This province alone is home to over 7,000 kinds of vascular plant.

The Western Australian Herbarium is a part of the Department of Environment and Conservation. It is responsible for the description and documentation of Western Australia's botanical species diversity.

The WA Herbarium and associated regional herbaria together form a unique, dynamic, state-wide team which gathers, manages, researches and communicates information on the geography, systematics and biology of our unique and precious flora on behalf of all members of the Western Australian community.

In doing so it plays a vital role in a national and international network of herbaria and allied biodiversity conservation agencies.