The Herbarium of the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras (UPRRP) was founded in 1966 and is a repository of preserved mycological, algal, and plant specimens of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Most of the holdings are vascular plants of Puerto Rico, but active collecting by faculty, staff, and students, coupled with an aggressive exchange program, enhance the representation of other islands of the Caribbean. The herbarium holds approximately 45,000 accessioned specimens.
UPRRP is currently hosting several major projects. We are in the process of entering all specimen data in a Brahms database and digitizing all species in our collection. These will soon become available on-line. Dr. Frankin Axelrod has completed a systematic vademecum to the vascular plants of Puerto Rico which updates and expands the synoptic flora providing more detailed ecological data and taxonomic commentary. Three other floristic projects are based at UPRRP and these include the Orchidaceae treatment for the Flora of the Greater Antilles by Dr. James Ackerman, the Mona Island biodiversity project of Dr. Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman, and the floristic studies of St. Lucia by Roger Graveson.
The herbarium is a public resource facility that is available to the academic community and the general public. We offer assistance in plant identification in not-for-profit projects, and give lectures and workshops on the use and management of herbaria. Individuals or groups that are interested in visiting should call or write to make an appointment. Special arrangements can be made for off-island visitors.
Contact
Dr. James D. Ackerman, Director
(787) 764-0000 x 1-2023
Dr. Frank Axelrod, Herbarium Collection Manager
(787) 764-0000 x 1-2900