Understanding and attributing cultural heritage values to individual plants

Abstract

The cultural, both tangible and intangible heritage value of individual plant specimens are rarely included in discussions regarding botanical and cultural heritage, whilst the more scientific and conservation values of a plant as a genetic resource or habitat component are more defined and understood. Nassauer (1995) acknowledges that cultural concepts of nature are different from scientific concepts of ecological function. Widening multidisciplinary discussion and an increased consensus in the definition and role of intangible cultural heritage have all facilitated the potential of cultural heritage plant values being understood by the heritage sector. How can such heritage values be assessed, are there existing methodologies within the heritage and collections management sectors that can be used for living plants? Would this heritage value be passed on to a plant’s offspring, is heritage a tradeable commodity and how would such heritage status affect future management?