The main role of the Dendrological Garden is to study and observe gene pools of native and alien (non-native) woody plants, especially in regard to their usage in landscape architecture. Various species of plants in thematic compositions are represented in within an area of 80 ha. Currently, there are about 5000 taxa planted in the garden. Some of the garden’s most famous collections include rhododendrons (Rhododendron L.), pines (Pinus L.), spireas (Spiraea L.) or rowans and whitebeams (Sorbus L.). An established gene pool of native woody plants is also represented. The most significant part in a collection of this kind is the complete set of genus Sorbus representatives which are native in the Czech Republic.
All other information available at: http://www.florius.cz/vukoz/
Genetic resources of ornamental plants
This activity is a part of the National Programme on Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources and Agro-biodiversity http://genbank.vurv.cz/genetic/nar_prog/
The aim is to conserve the varieties (and/or species) of ornamental plants which represent a significant genetic potential. More than 1700 taxons of the groups of ornamental plants listed below are preserved (conserved):
- rhododendrons (Rhododendron)
- ornamental apple-trees (Malus)
- original native varieties of roses (Rosa)
- bulbous and tuberous plants (Tulipa, Gladiolus, Dahlia)
- generatively propagated flower species (annuals, biennials, greenhouse plants)
- vegetatively propagated flower species (annuals, cascading petunias, chrysanthemums)
The collection of genetic resources is based on a general principle to conserve mainly domestic assortments. Subsequently, the particular items are described by means of defined descriptor lists and recorded in the EVIGEZ information system: http://genbank.vurv.cz/genetic/resources/asp2/default_c.htm
Regeneration is applied in accordance with approved methodology while, in addition, the seed of generatively propagated species is stored in the gene bank at –18° C. Distribution of samples to users is carried out upon written request.