Science

Research and Conservation

OBGA scientists have a broad portfolio of collections-based and interdisciplinary research, informed by botanical surveys conducted in remote locations around the world. In collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology, other botanic gardens, and institutions further afield, this research informs subjects such as evolutionary genetics, speciation and ex situ conservation. This work also examines potential applications of plants in technology, such as translating the mechanics of giant waterlilies into the design of floating, offshore solar panels.

With two in five plant species threatened with extinction globally, conservation of the world’s flora has never been more important. Our research supports conservation in biodiversity hotspots (areas rich in plant species), with a specific focus on the Mediterranean Basin, the Canary Islands, Ethiopia and Japan. As part of our commitment to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, we conserve rare plants (some of which can be found nowhere else in the world).

Collections

There are currently 272 plant families and nearly 5,000 species represented in the living collections. These collections hold unique and internationally important species, which alongside their aesthetic value hold important scientific data. The plant records database is a vital tool for documenting and analysing these collections, including current taxonomy and nomenclature, provenance (wild or garden source), and conservation status.

OBGA uses the BRAHMS database software developed at the University of Oxford, which aims to explore and document biodiversity.

Learn more about BRAHMS

Heritage and Landscape

As the oldest botanic garden in the UK, we have a unique and unrivalled heritage. Our Herbarium Room, which opened to the public in 2019, physically connects the Garden with the Oxford Herbaria and showcases some of the treasures from this internationally important scientific collection. This theme will also drive the establishment of ‘historical’ borders of plants reflecting the botanical legacies of former Professors, Keepers and Curators.

walled garden taxonomic beds interpretation botanic garden

Taxonomy and Evolution

Our collections are a teaching and research resource to illustrate and explain the evolution, diversity and classification of plants. In the Walled Garden, you can find our Taxonomic Beds which have been reconfigured in line with the latest DNA-based classifications. We also place a strong focus on evolution and adaptation in our glasshouse collections. Together, these collections represent a ‘living library’ for evolutionary and comparative genomics research.

Conservation and Biodiversity

As part of our commitment to delivering objectives set by the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, we are developing and enhancing our conservation collections with a focus on local rare flora, and plants from the global biodiversity hotspots of Japan and Chile.

theobroma cocao rainforest house botanic garden glasshouses

Plants and People

This theme celebrates the importance of plants to society and everyday life, and promotes the message that all life on earth depends on plants. Our 'Plants that Changed the World' collections in the Lower Garden and the Glasshouses highlighting plants that have changed the course of human civilisations across the globe.