Harvard University Herbaria

Harvard_University_Herbaria,_Cambridge,_MA

== Harvard University Herbaria ==

The Harvard University Herbaria are a collection of herbaria located at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They are among the largest and most comprehensive herbaria in the world, housing over 5 million specimens. The herbaria are part of the Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and serve as a vital resource for research in botany, systematics, and biodiversity.

History

The Harvard University Herbaria were established in 1864 by the botanist Asa Gray, who was a prominent figure in American botany. Gray's extensive collection of plant specimens formed the foundation of the herbaria. Over the years, the collections have grown significantly through acquisitions, donations, and field expeditions.

Collections

The herbaria consist of several distinct collections, including:

• The Gray Herbarium, which focuses on the flora of North America.
• The Arnold Arboretum Herbarium, which specializes in woody plants.
• The Farlow Herbarium, which contains fungi, algae, and lichens.
• The Economic Botany Herbarium, which includes plants of economic importance.
• The Oakes Ames Orchid Herbarium, dedicated to the study of orchids.

Research and Education

The Harvard University Herbaria support a wide range of research activities in plant taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecology. Researchers from around the world visit the herbaria to study the collections. The herbaria also provide educational opportunities for students and scholars through courses, internships, and fellowships.

Notable Figures

Several notable botanists have been associated with the Harvard University Herbaria, including:

• Asa Gray, the founder of the herbaria and a leading figure in American botany.
• Oakes Ames, an expert on orchids and a significant contributor to the herbaria's collections.
• Merritt Lyndon Fernald, a prominent botanist known for his work on the flora of North America.

Facilities

The herbaria are housed in the Harvard University Herbaria Building, which provides state-of-the-art facilities for the preservation and study of plant specimens. The building includes climate-controlled storage areas, research laboratories, and a library with extensive botanical literature.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• Asa Gray
• Arnold Arboretum
• Botany
• Systematics
• Biodiversity