Herbarium Services

EXCHANGES AND LOANS

The herbarium is not currently funded to facilitate the mailing of exchanges and loans, but there are some exceptions. Loans can be approved for anyone doing scientific research at a recognized institution, provided the recipient is willing to cover the cost of postage. Loans are for a period of one year and are renewable. Destructive sampling of small portions of material for DNA studies, SEM work, etc. generally will be allowed, although prior permission must be granted. Contact the collection manager for more information.

Once sufficiently funded, the herbarium will seek exchanges with other institutions for specimens from West Tennessee, as well as specimens for ongoing research of the genus Antennaria. 

West Tennessee counties: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley

TOURS

Tours of the herbarium may be given to classes, community groups, societies, and other educational institutions at no charge. These tours are focused on describing how plant specimens are obtained and processed, how a herbarium collection operates, and the importance and uses of herbarium specimens and the information they provide. As space is limited in the herbarium, a group of 10 or fewer is suggested. For more information about tours, please contact Darrell Brandon.

PLANT IDENTIFICATIONS

Plants may be taken in person to the herbarium for identification. Specimens should be relatively fresh, have flowers and/or fruit if possible, and must be sealed in a plastic bag. This service is performed as time allows and should not be used in cases involving poison emergencies.

COLLECTION PRESS LOANS

The herbarium has plant press kits (a wooden press, 2 straps, 20 ventilators, and 20 blotters) that can be checked out by students and other University of Memphis affiliates at no charge; for others, a deposit of $50 is requested. The length of the loan will be determined at the time of pick-up, as availability is subject to demand. If needed, instructions on proper plant collection, preservation, and data collection will be provided.