Rollschrankmagazin im Herbararchiv

Overview

The herbarium collection of the Institute of Botany (Herbarium WHB) was established in 1873 and is still active. It contains a total of approximately 90,000 specimens of vascular plants and algae, as well as about 30,000 specimens of mosses and lichens (as of 2026). The specimens were collected during field trips as well as research and thesis projects in various regions around the world. Over time, more than 1,000 collectors have contributed to the collection, and several donations from other institutions and private individuals have also been incorporated.

Collection focus

  • Austria (especially the Pannonian region) and areas of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire
  • Historical regional flora of Vienna
  • Istria
  • Ruderal and segetal flora
  • Brassicaceae, Cyperaceae, Characeae (→ type specimen Nitella laotica R.E. ROMANOV, V.YU. NIKULIN, K.-G. BERNHARDT & A.A. GONTCHAROV sp. nov.)

The Herbarium as a Research Infrastructure

Herbariums are key research infrastructures for taxonomy: Species are typically described based on individual type specimens deposited in herbariums, which serve as references. For example, the Herbarium WHB houses reference specimens collected for the ABOL (Austrian Barcode of Life) research initiative. Taxonomic studies typically draw on the collections of multiple herbaria. Herbarium specimens can be examined phenologically, morphologically, anatomically, molecularly, or chemically; all of these approaches can provide valuable insights into questions regarding changes in flora and biodiversity loss.

Federal Research Infrastructure Database (external Link) 

Access

  • The majority of the collection has been digitally cataloged, and information on the holdings is gladly provided upon request via email.
  • Researchers who wish to view the collection on site may contact us at any time to schedule an appointment.
  • Upon request, we make herbarium material available for research projects; however, to protect the collection, such requests must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Contact: Dipl.-Ing. Nora Stoeckl

Location: Gregor-Mendel-Str. 33, 1st floor, Room 01/20

For on-site visits, please make an appointment beforehand.

See also

STOECKL N. & BERNHARDT K.-G. (2022):150 years of documented biodiversity. The Herbarium WHB at BOKU. In: Nachhaltig vorausschauen : 150 Jahre Universität für Bodenkultur Wien = Featuring future : 150 years University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. University of Natural Rescources: 172-189. Link