Information on ordering seeds
The number of seeds accessions is limited to 35 per order.
When acquiring and supplying plant material, the Berlin Botanic Garden complies with the agreements of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol, as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). We expect our partners to also act in compliance with and in accordance with these conventions and existing laws regarding the protection, sustainable use of biological diversity, access to genetic resources, and equitable benefit sharing when collecting, maintaining, and distributing plant material from the BGBM.
We are a member of the International Plant Exchange Network (IPEN), which regulates plant exchanges. The IPEN network is based on a joint code of conduct (IPEN Code of Conduct) that complies with the obligations of the CBD and the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. Botanical gardens commit to complying with this code by registering as IPEN members. IPEN members can order seeds from us directly and without further formalities. Non-IPEN members must have a transfer agreement (MTA) signed by an authorised person. The signed agreement can be sent electronically or by post (see address above). No seeds will be sent without a signed agreement. By ordering seeds, the above terms and conditions become binding for the customer.
Further information
Most of our seeds in the Index Seminum are stored in a drying chamber at 15°C and 15% relative humidity. Under these conditions, orthodox seeds usually remain viable for several years or even decades. Recalcitrant seeds are stored in the refrigerator.
Our Index Seminum contains seeds from both wild locations and the Berlin Botanic Garden. The seeds originate from open pollination, so we cannot rule out hybridisation. Some of the species may be invasive. Invasive and potentially invasive species on the German warning List of Invasive Vascular Plant Species are marked. Customers are responsible for informing themselves about the potentially invasive behaviour of the species ordered in their country and, if necessary, taking appropriate precautions when cultivating them.
All determinations of the seeds offered in this Index Seminum have been verified and documented with a specimen in Herbarium B. We would be grateful for any information regarding possible misidentifications or non-germinating seeds. The taxonomy and nomenclature of plants from Europe and the Mediterranean region follow the Euro+Med PlantBase, while those from outside Europe follow the respective standard floras. Author citations follow the standard abbreviations in the International Plant Names Index (IPNI, 2025).
Collection data of the seeds are the original data of the collectors and have not been standardised.