National Plant Collections and the Dutch Plant Collection
[Similarities and differences]
The National Plant Collection is an initiative of the Dutch botanic gardens and it is based on scientific and scientific-related criteria. Apart from the 'value' and size of the individual collections also the level and status of documentation, available literature, identification and accessibility for the general public, are all important criteria for admission. Emphasis lies with 'botanical' species or natural species. The National Plant Collection consists of all admitted specialisations - mostly on the level of a whole family or genus.
Apart from the National Plant Collection, there is also the Dutch Plant Collection. The latter was initiated by the Royal Society for Cultivars from Boskoop [Koninklijke Vereniging voor Boskoopse Culturen - KVBC].
The Dutch Plant Collection represents specialisations of commercial and non commercial growers of cultivars, mostly on the level of [sub]genera or species. Included are cultivars of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
Within the National Plant Collection some old cultivar collections can also be found, 'Old' meaning that they no longer represent a commercial asset, but are nowadays replaced by more recent cultivars. Examples are the National Plant Collection of Japanese Azaleas [within the genus Rhododendron] or the Citrus collection.
In general, both plant collections [NPC and DPC] are complementary.
Cooperation between the two plant collections does exists. Whenever a Dutch Plant Collection is under threat of closure, the collection is assessed on its potential value for the National Plant Collection. After acceptance within the NPC the collection is, in most cases, transferred to one of the participating botanical gardens.
A review of the whole Dutch Plant Collection was published in 2001 [ http://www.gottmer.nl/becht/9025732909.htm ]. More information concerning the DPC can be obtained from: [ rhoutman@cistron.nl].
