摘要
The purpose of this work has been to carry out a didactic exhibit at the Botanical Museum of the Department of Life and Environment of the University of Cagliari devoted to vegetal endemic or threatened species present at the Mediterranean Basin. The Ceroplastics （wax sculpting） plays a very important role in this project. Species that have become rare or are somehow threatened in the natural environment and have fortunately been preserved ＂ex situ＂ at the Botanical Garden of Cagliari are reproduced as wax models. Models are made by cutting and shaping wax sheets over the flame of an alcohol lamp. Each model has been created by copying a real specimen cultivated at the Botanical Garden and as a ＂unique piece＂ without using preparatory moulds. The result has been to have at our disposal a collection of very realistic models and magnified particulars as for example the pollen grains. The accuracy of the representation gives visitors the chance to know the considered species by means of the models. In order to preserve the natural heritage it is of the utmost importance that divulgation and information be made available to everyone. The Botanical Museum of the University of Cagliari rediscovers the noble art of wax sculpting, which has been strongly linked to the spreading of scientific knowledge since the XVII century and nowadays it may contribute to raise the citizens＇ awareness of the most common environmental issues.
