Bolus Herbarium

The Bolus Herbarium maintains a collection of 350,000 plant specimens, making it the third largest university herbarium in the Southern Hemisphere.

Founded in 1865 through Harry Bolus's donation of his herbarium and library to the South African College, which later became the University of Cape Town.

The herbarium library preserves early botanical works from 17th-century travelers who documented the plant life across southern African territories.

Researchers and students can access the extensive collection of botanical specimens and reference materials organized across two levels with specific shelf numbers.

During the 2021 Table Mountain fire that affected multiple university collections, the Bolus Herbarium remained protected from substantial damage.

Location: Cape Town

Inception: 1895

Website: http://bolus.uct.ac.za

GPS coordinates: -33.95653,18.46167

Latest update: March 8, 2025 08:00