Orchid Conservation Register

Introduction

The Orchid Conservation Register connects amateur UK growers facilitating orchid propagation, plant exchange, and sharing of cultivation expertise, to ensure the conservation of species and hybrids. Members provide detailed orchid information through their orchid society, with each plant assigned an accession number in the Plant Heritage database, Persephone. Only regional society coordinators know grower identities and locations to maintain confidentiality.

Benefits for Orchid Conservation

Records rare orchid species to aid their preservation within the UK.
Encourages growers to cooperate in propagating rare orchids and sharing expertise.
Lowers demand for illegally imported orchids by improving access to UK-grown plants.
Works with botanical gardens and collections to enhance scientific understanding.

Dracula gigas is endangered in the wild. Photo. ©Chris Barker

Benefits for Orchid Growers

Use an award-winning database to manage your orchid collection.
Access rare species and hybrids, even those less available in the UK after Brexit.
Share surplus plants or divisions and find desired orchids via a regular exchange program.
Rehome important orchids if needed.
Join conservation efforts such as pollination and flasking.
Donate to UK botanical collections to support conservation.
Improve your knowledge of orchid terminology and record-keeping.

Benefits for Orchid Societies

A unique orchid conservation opportunity exclusive to society members, not found elsewhere.
Appeals to a wide range of growers and provides a new reason to join regional societies.
Supports society goals in orchid conservation.