Type Specimens
A type specimen is a specimen that was used by an author publishing the name of a newly described taxon (e.g. a species). Type specimens are not necessarily the most representative example of a taxon, but they are essential for plant nomenclature.
The unique history of Trinity College Dublin herbarium means that it is exceptionally type rich. We estimate that perhaps 15% of the world vascular plant collection are types, while our algal collections may be even more type rich. Funding from the Mellon Foundation allowed us to digitise all known type species, but many of our type specimens remain unrecognised.
We are working towards an online herbarium database, which will showcase all our type specimens and anticipate this will be online by the end of 2025. In the meantime, please contact the curator, Dr Peter Moonlight if you wish to examine our type material.