Vascular Types

Vascular types are filed separately from the general collection—fern types are with the fern collection on the 5th floor, and phanerogamic types are filed on the 3rd floor. They are filed by their basionym and in the same sequence as the rest of the herbarium. 

A type specimen is a specimen selected to serve as a reference point when a plant species is first named. As a result, these specimens are extremely important to botanists who are attempting to determine the correct application of a name. They are often specially curated in herbaria, such as at NYBG, where they are filed separately. There are several different categories of types; the most common are:

Holotype: The single specimen designated as the type of a species by the original author at the time the species name and description was published.

Isotype: A duplicate specimen of the holotype.

Syntype: Any of two or more specimens listed in the original description of a taxon when a holotype was not designated.

Isosyntype: A duplicate of a syntype.

Paratype: A specimen not formally designated as a type but cited along with the type collection in the original description of a taxon.

Lectotype: A specimen chosen by a later researcher to serve as if it were the holotype. It is chosen from among the specimens available to the original publishing author (the isotypes, syntypes and/or paratypes) of a scientific name when the holotype was either lost or destroyed, or when no holotype was designated. Duplicates of the lectotype are isolectotypes.

Neotype: A specimen chosen by a later researcher to serve in place of a holotype when all specimens available to the original publishing author of a scientific name have been lost or destroyed. Duplicates of the neotype are isoneotypes.

Topotype: A specimen of a plant collected from the same locality as the holotype and usually on a different date. A topotype has no formal standing. Also called a locotype.

Cotype: A term formerly used for syntype and sometimes (erroneously) for isotype and paratype. This is an old term that was used loosely and is not used by today's taxonomists.

FAQ

Q: I have a paratype/topotype/type photograph, where should this be filed?

A: Paratypes, topotypes, and type photographs are filed in the general collection under the currently accepted name.   

Q: I have found a type in the general collection, what should I do?

A: Bring the specimens to Amy Weiss; her office is in the sorting room (154B). If she's not there, leave specimens for her attention on top of the half-high pictured here. Paratypes, topotypes, and type photographs are filed in the general collection, so these can stay where you found them.

Q: How do I make type annotation labels?

A: Type annotation label templates are available here.

Labels are also available on the 3rd floor near the types; or bring the specimens to Amy, and she'll make the labels before filing them into the type herbarium.

Q: I have found an error in a type record in EMu or on the virtual herbarium, what should I do?

A: Email Amy with a brief summary of the problem, and she'll fix/update the record. 

Choose-your-own type adventure

You have found a vascular type (either in the general collection, annotated by a visitor, or unmounted)! You marvel at the specimen in which the name of this taxon is permanently attached; these specimens are extremely important to botanists who are attempting to determine the correct application of a name. You recall that Amy Weiss has an office in the sorting room (154B) and that she manages the type collection. However, these specimens won't file themselves and you want to finish by lunch time. Do you...

Give the type to Amy.....go to page 81

Ignore it, you have more urgent things to do.....go to page 110