Introduction to Botany & Herbarium
The Botany Department is primarily concerned with horticultural taxonomy; the identification, classification and naming of cultivated plants. A range of techniques is used to investigate these issues. Traditional morphological studies are applied in conjunction with newer techniques of molecular fingerprinting. Particular attention is paid to those genera under horticultural assessment through RHS trials.
Trading
An ongoing project, supported by The Cyclamen Society, is assessing the potential of molecular markers for tracking the illegal trade in wild Cyclamen.
Cultivar identity and origin
A joint molecular and morphological project between the Botany Department, Floral Committee B and University of Reading is being undertaken to look at the relationship between Euonymus hamiltonianus, E. sieboldianus and E. maackii considered by some to be variants of one species. If the results are promising this could be extended to try to determine the relationships between these species and the related cultivars grown in gardens.
Projects in collaboration with the Department of Botany, University of Reading, have included the identity and origin of old cultivars of Pelargonium, created at Fibrex Nursery, and Achillea (yarrow), in particular A. 'Taygetea'.
Hybrid plants
A recent project involved the identity of putative Kalmia x Rhododendron hybrids, using molecular techniques.
A long-term project on woody cultivars of Lavatera (shrubby mallow) found that they are intermediate between the species L. olbia and L. thuringiaca, suggesting hybrid status, and can be assigned to L. x clementii. This research resulted in publication in a refereed journal and presentation at an international conference.
The taxonomic status of Erodium x variabile has been investigated with the Department of Botany, University of Reading and confirmed as a spontaneously arising hybrid.
Descriptions and keys
Since 1997, the Keeper of the Herbarium and Trials Officer have together carried out taxonomic and nomenclatural research on selected Trials at Wisley. The resultant publication of detailed descriptions and identification keys for taxa represented in the Trials has been widely welcomed. To date, the trials of Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida and allied species), Lamium maculatum, Penstemon, Phygelius and Osteospermum have been documented in this way.
Garden management for wildlife
There is an increasing trend towards the support for wild species and naturalistic design in gardens. Staff from several departments are involved in monitoring biodiversity in RHS Garden Wisley and promoting wildlife diversity among gardeners.
River Wey Embankment Project
Biodiversity at the RHS