Die Orchideensammlung des Botanischen Gartens der Universität Basel

With about 1600 different orchid species the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel maintains the largest public orchid collection in Switzerland. The collection was curated for two decades by the late Dr. Jany Renz. Above all orchid species from New Caledonia, the orchid genera Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium, and the subfamily of lady slipper orchids are particularly well represented in this collection. The importance of living orchid collections for modern orchid science is illustrated by summarizing the results of recent orchid research and the role of botanic gardens for ex situ-conservation is discussed. The Basel orchid collection represents also one of the main attractions of the garden for the public.