The Herbarium at RBGE issues loans of specimens to recognised institutes only. We have been digitising many of our type collections and we are able to send high quality images, which allow examination of features at similar magnification to a hand lens or low-power dissecting microscope.

Since specimens are fragile and may be damaged in transit, we would request that loans are only requested where a visit is not possible and where a digitised image is not suitable. Specimens are normally issued for a period of 12 months.

Loans policy

The loans policy is available for download from the box on the right.

Destructive sampling policy

The destructive sampling policy is also available for download.

How to request a loan

Please submit your request for a loan using the enquiry form (select ‘Herbarium'), for the attention of Adele Smith. Or make your request by post to: The Herbarium, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, Scotland, UK.

All requests should come from the curator or director of the researcher's institution and should include the following information:

1. name and status of researcher
2. nature and scope of the study
3. taxa requested, including possible synonyms
4. basionyms and currently accepted name of any type specimens requested
5. geographical scope of specimens requested

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