Oldest Herbarium Specimen

[Craig Hilton-Taylor]

I suppose the answer depends on how one would define such a
specimen, but possibly the specimen of an olive tree (Olea
europaea) from King  Tutankhamen's tomb housed at Kew would qualify.
This specimen if I recall correctly is over 3000 years old and
comprises a few twigs and leaves mounted on a sheet together with
fruits in a capsule. It is housed (or was) along with the rest of
the species in the Herbarium.

Craig Hilton-Taylor

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Craig Hilton-Taylor
Ecology and Conservation Research
National Botanical Institute
Private Bag X7                        Tel: +21 - 762 1166
Claremont 7735                        Fax: +21 - 797 6903
South Africa                        Email: hiltonta at nbict.nbi.ac.za
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