Australian Cultivar Registration Authority facts for kids
The Australian Cultivar Registration Authority (ACRA) is a special group in Australia. It helps name and keep track of unique Australian plants. Think of it like a "passport office" for plants!
ACRA is the main group in Australia that registers new plant types, called cultivars. A cultivar is a specific kind of plant that people have grown or chosen because it has special features, like a certain flower color or shape. ACRA makes sure these new plant names are official and unique, following international rules.
What Does ACRA Do?
ACRA has several important jobs related to Australian plants:
- Naming Plants: It officially registers the names of new Australian plant cultivars. This helps everyone know exactly which plant they are talking about.
- Following Rules: It makes sure plant names follow the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. This is a worldwide rulebook for naming cultivated plants.
- Helping Plant Growers: ACRA also gives advice about "plant breeders' rights." These rights are like patents for new plant varieties. They protect the hard work of people who create new and special plants.
- Registering New Varieties: It registers new plant varieties under an Australian law called the Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994. This law helps protect the rights of plant breeders.
Who is Part of ACRA?
ACRA is made up of representatives from different important groups across Australia. These include:
- People from the botanic gardens in each Australian state and territory. Botanic gardens are like big plant museums and research centers.
- Members from the Society for Growing Australian Plants. This group loves and promotes Australian native plants.
- Representatives from the Nursery Industry Association of Australia. These are the people who grow and sell plants.
ACRA was started in 1963. Its work helps keep track of Australia's amazing plant diversity and supports people who develop new and beautiful plant types.
See also
In Spanish: Australian Cultivar Registration Authority para niños
