International Cultivar Registered Authority (genus: Polypodium L.)

 

The British Pteridological Society (BPS) is the appointed International Cultivar Registered Authority (ICRA) for the genus Polypodium. We maintain a centralized registry of Polypodium cultivars, ensuring international consistency in naming, documentation, and preservation.

 

What is a cultivar?

A cultivar (cultivated variety) is an group of cultivated plants within a species, selected for one or more distinct, uniform, and stable characteristics that persist through appropriate propagation.

Key Concepts:

 

•     Taxon:             A defined group of organisms classified as a unit.
•     Assemblage: Cultivars refer to a population or group of plants, not a single specimen.
•     Distinctiveness: The cultivar must exhibit one or more identifiable traits (e.g., frond shape, variegation, growth habit) that differentiate it from others.
•     Uniformity:     These traits must be consistently expressed across all specimens.
•     Stability:         Traits must remain unchanged through propagation.
•     Appropriate propagation: Typically involves asexual methods such as cuttings, division, air-layering, or tissue culture. In some cases, spore grown offspring that breed true may qualify.

 

 

Why register a cultivar?

Registering a cultivar ensures consistency in understanding both its origins and defining characteristics, whilst preserving the information for posterity. A centralised and standardised approach ensures our community practices are consistent and keeps the cultivars valid.

Note: The registration with ICRA does not provide any legal protection to the grower nor does it endorse the quality of a cultivar. It serves only as a source of information for the community and ensures compliance with ICNCP for the grower.

 

First established in 1958 the code is designed to produce uniform practices throughout the world in the naming of all cultivars.

 

 

How to register a cultivar?

The first steps to register a cultivar for the genus Polypodium is to contact ICRA@britishfernsociety.org.uk. Our experts can then guide you through the process.