Specimens
1937
Digitized & Verified
Collection
Digitisation os an ongoing process
Species
463
Cataloged
Data Points
58110
Open for analysis
The MACROPHYTES platform is an Index Herbariorum-accredited infrastructure (code HCOM) for the mandatory deposit of scientific specimens (taxonomy, biogeography, molecular biology, biochemistry). Designated as a Technological Platform of Aix-Marseille University since January 2024, supported by the University's Scientific Heritage Service and a member of GDR e-Recolnat, it constitutes a strategic hub for the conservation, characterisation and analysis of marine macrophytes.
A national-level heritage and scientific resource. MACROPHYTES houses the third largest algal collection in France, after the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris and the herbarium of the University of Montpellier: over 40,000 herbarium sheets spanning two centuries of collecting and including type specimens as well as major historical collections (specimens from the Astrolabe – Dumont d'Urville; the Calypso collection). This collection provides a unique foundation for marine biodiversity research and for integrative approaches to taxonomy.
Unique scientific expertise on marine macrophytes, recognised across the Mediterranean. The platform develops taxonomic and ecological expertise on marine macrophytes and coastal ecosystems, recognised at regional, national and international levels. The team brings together complementary skills in phycology, ecology, integrative taxonomy (morphology, anatomy, molecular biology) and geomatics/GIS, enabling a robust, integrated approach to macrophyte research.
A strong competitive positioning: the only platform dedicated to marine macrophytes on the French Mediterranean coastline; one of the very few European infrastructures - alongside the Natural History Museum London and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Paris - to combine a historical collection, high-level taxonomic expertise and integrated analytical tools; a reference actor for research projects, environmental monitoring programmes, marine biodiversity conservation initiatives and public policy support.
The MACROPHYTES platform offers an integrated "collection-expertise-tools" package, delivering a unique capacity to support research, drive methodological innovation and contribute to public conservation policy. This positioning makes it a major asset for Aix-Marseille University's scientific excellence in marine sciences, biodiversity, and the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems.
Stopping the clock on decay.
Open to global scientists.
Specimen ID
HCOM0001627
Date
07 Mar 1966
From physical drawer to digital cloud in four meticulous steps.
Curators carefully prepare herbarium vouchers for digitisation, affixing a unique QR code to each one and validating their physical condition before handling.
Using custom flatbed scanners, we capture 6000x8000px images, revealing cellular details of leaves and stems.
Curators review extract handwritten labels location, date, and collector into structured database fields.
Data is synchronized with the GBIF network, making it instantly available to researchers and conservationists worldwide.