The RHS Database of Cultivated Plant Diversity
Dr Janet J Cubey & Rupert G Wilson, Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB, UKMost garden associated databases exist to support accession data and information pertaining to the living collections. This is how the RHS Horticultural Database started in 1993, but it has since evolved to incorporate many roles such as the RHS Plant Finder, image archives, standard specimen portfolios and to enhance many other activities and functions of the Society including advice and publications.
Using the BG-BASETM collections management software, it currently tracks over 188,000 entries in the core names file, including links of synonymy, orthography and trade designations. This resource, maintained and updated annually, acts as a stable and authoritative reference to cultivated plant names in NW Europe and is supported by rich associated data.
The current status and accessibility of the RHS Horticultural Database will be outlined and its future development and collaborations, in a national and international context, will be highlighted.