Lichen collections
The lichen Xanthoria aureola
The lichen collection is one of the world’s largest and acts as an important resource for research.
The collection consists of about 400,000 specimens and at least 10,000 type specimens.
Find a specimen
The collections are being digitised and are accessible via the Data Portal.
Specimen numbers
Specimens
400,000
Type specimens
10,000
Strengths
We hold important historical collections, such as material collected by:
- E Acharius
- J M Crombie
- W A Leighton
- J Stirton
We no longer keep collections of non-lichenised ascomycetes or basidiomycetes. This material was transferred to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on permanent loan.
Major collections
Major collections include:
- British and Irish Lichen Herbarium
- General Lichen Herbarium
- Non-incorporated collections
- Acharius Herbarium (Erik Acharius)
- English Botany (Smith and Sowerby collection)
- Fungal Model Collection (J Sowerby)
Important historical collections
E Acharius
J M Crombie
W A Leighton
J Stirton
J Sowerby
Specimens of the lichen Neuropogon aurantiaco-atra collected by Charles Darwin.
Erik Acharius who is known as the father of lichenology.
Mounted Xanthoria parietina lichen specimens held in the Museum's crypt herbarium.
Country of origin
The collections contain lichens and lichenicolous fungi from around the world including Britain, Ireland, Antarctic areas, Australia and New Zealand, Sri Lanka and India and Thailand.
Related information
- British lichens checklistopens in a new window
- Worldwide fungi and lichensopens in a new window
- Michigan State University Herbariumopens in a new window
- Swedish Museum of Natural Historyopens in a new window
- Lichen herbarium at the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum, Berlin-Dahlemopens in a new window
