[Science News] – Meise Botanic Garden Hosts the 3rd Congress of the International Euphorbia Society

The collaboration between the International Euphorbia Society and Meise Botanic Garden began in 2011, on the occasion of the installation of the "Savannah and monsoon forest" glasshouse. At that time, the society donated its first Euphorbia specimens to the Garden. Shortly thereafter, Thomas Cammaerts, curator of the succulent collection at Meise Botanic Garden, joined the society’s board of directors, where he now serves as vice president.

Over the years, the partnership between the society and the Garden has steadily grown. Each year, the Garden receives new plant species that were still missing from its collection. In addition, members of the society regularly visit the Garden to take cuttings, helping to preserve the genetic diversity and health of their own collections. Thanks to active networking, new donations also occur on a regular basis, further strengthening the collaboration.

A Vibrant Third Edition

"The third edition of the International Euphorbia Society congress, held at Meise Botanic Garden on May 24 and 25, was particularly special as it marked the 20th anniversary of the society," said Thomas Cammaerts. "It was also the opportunity to highlight a new direction: the launch of scientific research on the Garden’s Euphorbia collection, with the aim of enhancing its value as a reference collection. It may already be the largest Euphorbia collection in the world."

A Green Ark for Euphorbia

The Euphorbia collection at Meise Botanic Garden is a vital resource for their conservation. Many species are now under threat in their natural habitats due to erosion, climate change, poaching, their use in alternative medicine, and agricultural pressures. The Green Ark, the Garden’s new glasshouse complex inaugurated last year, houses this precious collection — comprising 583 species — under optimal climatic conditions. “A collection of this scale is essential to ensure the long-term survival of these species,” emphasizes Thomas Cammaerts. “Each year, Meise Botanic Garden also engages in numerous exchanges with other gardens to promote their distribution.”

The congress welcomed an international audience of collectors, scientists, and growers from 15 countries (including the United States, China, Czechia, Poland, Bulgaria, Portugal…). The rich two-day programme showcased the diversity of Euphorbia through lectures, guided tours, and a plant sale. The event was also a great opportunity to highlight the Garden’s collection, share knowledge, and foster new collaborations.