Algal collections
The Natural History Museum's collection of algae is one of the largest in the world, with over a quarter of a million specimens from around the globe. These account for about 5% of the Botany Department's holdings.
The algal herbaria hold:
- important historical material from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries
- expanding contemporary collections
- some of the earliest specimens held in the Museum, dating back to the 17th century
Diatoms are curated separately. See diatom collections for more information.
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Algal collection statistics
Details of the numbers of red, brown, green and other algal specimens - including type specimens - held by the Museum.
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Collections management and curation
Discover how specimens are curated in the Botany Department's algal herbaria.
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Access to the collections
Find out about visiting the algae collections and who to contact.
