Specimens come to the Harvard University Herbaria from across the world. Shipments may arrive from as far as Australia, China, Russia, or as close as areas in neighboring Massachusetts towns. They arrive in boxes dotted with bird droppings, the specimens within wrapped in newspaper or stored temporarily within commercial containers and bags. The packaging from the field is sometimes nearly as interesting as the specimens themselves, as some come in exotic bags and wrappings.

Specimen newly arrived to the Harvard Univeristy Herbarium