Aims and Remits of The Swiss Orchid Foundation

The Swiss Orchid Foundation is responsible for the curation of the collections and library of Dr. Jany Renz, which is to experience a continuous care and extension.

Presently, the foundation arranges for making the collections publicly available as a database on the Internet.

The herbarium of Dr. Jany Renz contains approximately 20'000 meticulously prepared specimens, collected from the early 1920s up until the late 1990s. These collections are of exceptionally high quality and value to science. Furthermore, they include more than 100 type specimens. The herbarium is registered in the International Index of Herbaria, the Index Herbariorum, under the acronym "RENZ". Detailed locality data is not posted on the website, and is removed from the labels on the specimen images for reasons of conservation and safety of the localities. Further locality data and full size images with unedited labels can be obtained by request.

The comprehensive library of orchid literature, including over 3'000 books, numerous reprints and an irreplaceable collection of antique and folio books, has been catlogued by the University Library of Basel. The library is a unique collection which complements the herbarium as a research resource.

The living collection currently contains about 1'700 species (2'400 specimens), and is being actively enlarged. It is amongst the best collections of orchid species in Europe. At present, the collection is also scientifically attended by the foundation and its foundation board member Dr. Phillip Cribb.

The foundation intends to develop the collection and library as an internationally recognised centre for scientists and horticulturists through various new projects over the next few years. The foundation is also involved in the management and care of habitats, the re-introduction of orchids and conservation projects in the region around Basel.