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.
Our herbarium specimen data are now available from the DigiHerb Portal. If you require help finding any time type specimens, wish to study them in person, or believe you have identified an unrecognised type specimen, please contact the curator, Dr Peter Moonlight.
