New National Plant Collections Established to Protect At-Risk Species.
Plants that were previously considered at risk have now been saved by Plant Heritage and awarded National Plant Collection status. The charity has recently accredited new collections of oriental poppies and colocasia, ensuring that these plant groups are protected for future generations.
Both plant groups were identified by Plant Heritage as being at risk because they were not part of any existing National Plant Collection.
Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, stated, “Every year, we lose hundreds and possibly thousands of plants forever. This results in the loss of their beauty, history, and their benefits for biodiversity.” She emphasized the importance of National Plant Collections in plant conservation, saying, “Through Plant Heritage’s 45-year history, we have shown that National Plant Collections are a simple but effective way for the UK public to get involved in plant conservation. Together, our members are conserving around 95,000 plants for the future. We are incredibly grateful for plant enthusiasts like Lorraine and Peter who volunteer to take on this important work. I’d like to encourage more people to get in touch if they are interested in starting a National Collection or can support our work in other ways.”
The charity has highlighted both plant groups in its ‘Missing Collections’ campaign to attract new collection holders, and this initiative has been successful.
Lorraine Vaun-Davis began her collection of oriental poppies after seeing Plant Heritage’s Missing Collections list in 2020. Her colorful collection has since expanded to include 38 different cultivars, ranging from hot pinks to deep reds, which can be viewed in her Somerset garden.
In Dorset, avid plant collector Peter Davidson has created a collection of 45 different Colocasia cultivars, commonly known as ‘elephant ears’ due to their large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves. This collection is housed in a large greenhouse in his garden.
Plant Heritage accredits new National Plant Collections every season. Alongside the new oriental poppy and Colocasia collections, the charity has accredited an additional 13 collections this year.
Currently, there are over 720 different collections across the UK, including a variety of plants such as autumnal michaelmas daisies and sun-drenched sweet peas, totaling more than 95,000 plants.
These collections can be found in various locations, including gardens, greenhouses, allotments, plant nurseries, arboretums, and botanic gardens, as well as in more unusual settings like pub gardens, a women’s prison, historic houses, and zoos.
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