The number of specimens in the herbarium totals c. 3.3 million and, in particular, large lichen and moss collections rank among the top three in the whole world. The collections originate from all over the world – in addition to North Europe, Mediterranean, East African and South American plants and fungi are well represented. Extensive and important collections of bryophytes and fungi derive also from East and Southeast Southeast Asia. Living collections include c. 7000 accessions from all kinds of biotopes with a special emphasis on Finnish, European and Paleotropical plants. Currently c. 15 000 type specimens of plants and fungi are available in JSTOR database.
Luomus also provides large observation data of plant occurrences (c. 5 million) together with mapping solutions (Atlas of the Distribution of Vascular Plants in Finland).
The services of the botanical and mycological collections are preparation, deposition, digitisation and loans of scientific specimens. Digitisation, and structured light 3D scanning can be provided on request. Observation and specimen data are available through the Laji.fi portal.
Living collections and the seed bank also provide material for experimental scientific research. Setting up test plots in the grounds of the botanic gardens for common garden experiments, for example, can be aided by the personnel of the botanic garden.
The botanical and mycological collections and the occurrence data. Mass digitization lineage for plants and four scanners for type specimen digitization. The botanical library serves a reference library.
According to the general collection policy of Luomus “The collections are to be used primarily for scientific research and university teaching, and secondarily for other types of education and environmental education. Research use of the collections takes place in Luomus facilities, and collection material may be loaned outside Luomus free of charge according to international museum practices. Access to the collections requires authorisation (access control). As a rule, the authorisation to access a collection is provided by the head of the collection team, unless the unit has agreed otherwise. Researchers may be granted special permission to work freely in the collection facilities or to use the specimens under the supervision of the collection staff. Luomus may charge a bench fee for the use of its facilities.”
The specimen loan and short-term visit services are offered free of charge, as is customary among natural history collection institutions. Digital data are available free of charge Laji.fi (license mostly used CC BY 4.0)
A fee covering the immediate costs of identifications and expert opinions or reports for commercial or non-research purposes is charged. 200 e/hour, minimum 1 hour.
Digitisation, focus stacking photography, and structured light 3D scanning on request based on case-by-case cost calculation.