Lichens

The lichen herbarium of The New York Botanical Garden is the largest in the western hemisphere and one of the premier such collections worldwide. The study and collection of lichens at the Garden has its roots in the founding of the institution more than a century ago. The nucleus of the collection was formed at that time as founders Nathaniel L. Britton and Elizabeth G. Britton, together with other Garden scientists and collaborators, collected lichens extensively during expeditions throughout North America and the Neotropics. The size and scope of the collection has expanded significantly within the last four decades through the contributions of Richard C. Harris and current curator James C. Lendemer. As a result of their research focuses, the collection has a particular strength in traditionally understudied crustose lichen groups from the Americas, with an emphasis placed on the lichens of eastern North America.