Tasmanian Herbarium
The Tasmanian Herbarium is responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing Tasmania’s official botanical collections. These collections are internationally recognised as the most comprehensive record of Tasmanian flora.
The Herbarium holds over 312,000 preserved plant specimens. Flowering plants make up the largest portion of the collection.
The collection matters because each specimen is a permanent scientific record.
Together, they provide evidence of:
- What plants occur in Tasmania.
- Where and when they have been found.
- How plant species vary over time and location.
- Valuable data for ongoing scientific research.
The collection is a vital resource that supports many areas of research, conservation, and public education.
Key uses of the collection:
- Accurate plant identification and classification.
- Support for scientific research and academic publications.
- Guidance for land use, conservation, and resource management.
- Contributions to ecological and environmental studies.
- Management of introduced or prohibited plant species.
- Exploration of economically valuable plants and products.
- Development of public displays and educational resources for the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and wider community.
