Living Collections
Despite having to change plans twice, with the resultant loss of time in the field, 238 collections of seeds were made (see Collections for details), 105 of which have herbarium vouchers. Seed was gathered from a variety of habitats ranging from subtropical collections along the banks of the Arun River, to high altitudes at over 4000m in the Langtang area. Priority was given to material that could be grown outside in one of our four Gardens in Scotland, hence most seed material was collected above 2700m altitude.

The timing of the expedition was in part to enable seed collections to be made. This was on the whole possible, particularly with many of the plants with fleshy fruit. The drier conditions at high altitudes meant that many genera with 'dry' seeds, such as Meconopsis and Primula, were almost exhausted of seed through natural dispersal. Germination, as expected, has been variable, but it is interesting to note the clusters of successful germinations from particular areas and altitudes. Of particular interest has been the successful germination of many Sorbus species including S. himalaica collected on the north facing side of the Langtang valley. Many of these plants will prove to be valuable and interesting additions to the living collections at each of the four gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Comments on Horticultural Important Genera
Acer - Of the four collections made of Acer, of three separate species, germination has occurred only in A. acuminatum. For such an important horticultural genus this is disappointing. Although the collections were made in the second half on the trip, dry storage of the seed can apparently have a detrimental effect, causing the seed to develop a hard seed coat which can inhibit germination until the second spring or result in the seed losing its viability totally. Poor germination has been noted in previous collections of A. caudtum, another Himalayan species. The seed pans will be kept for the another year, but emphasis may need to be placed on attempting to keep future collections cool and moist in the field and in transit until propagation. A fungicide may have to be used in this method.
Arisaema - After a period of imbibing, germination has been successful in all but one of the collections. The seedlings are left in their germination pan for a year, to avoid disturbance of the developing tuber.
Berberis - The colorful fruits of the barberrys formed an attractive feature in the forest margins, and happily germination has been successful. Previous collections of Sino-Himalayan Berberis have germinated without difficulty and Sino-Himalayan species seem to offer few problems to raise from seed.
Clematis - Germination has been successful in C. connata, after a few months of chilling in an outside cold frame. The only problem is separating the seed from the long feathery tail which, causes high numbers of the fruit to stick together. This can lead to a sporadic distribution of seedlings in the seed pan.
Cotoneaster - Of the nine seed collections made of Cotoneaster only a small number have germinated, and the number of seedlings have been few. C. frigidis bore its bright red fruit abundantly, but as yet no seedlings have germinated. There are references to collecting the berries green, before they are ripe, to avoid the seed developing a hard seedcoat. When a hard seedcoat develops this can delay germination for a year.
Deutzia - Germination has been successful for the one collection made of this genus, D. compacta. The seed pan was placed in an outside frame and germination began after five months.
Euonymous - Three collections of two species were made of this ornamental genera. Unfortunately no germinations have as yet taken place. A period of chilling in an outside frame has been employed, a warmth period in a glasshouse will be given to enhance germination.
Jasminum - The only species collected J. humile has germinated readily after a four month period in an outside cold frame. The fruits were ripe when collected.
Primula - Over thirty species of this popular genus are known from Nepal. Five collections were made during the expedition and three have germinated successfully, and in great abundance. The seed was sown into a mixture of seedling compost and sand, into seed trays, and placed outdoors under a glass frame. After germination in the following spring, the trays were taken into a heated glasshouse to avoid frost damage.
Viburnum - Three species of Viburnum were encountered during the expedition, from the first two, V. mullaha, and V. cotinifolium, seed was gathered and germination has been successful. These two species are very handsome shrubs, but rare in cultivation, the first has large clusters of red fruit which hang abundantly, with the second having black, leathery fruit. Both species were placed in an outside seed frame with germination taking place in the spring, subsequent growth has been strong and healthy, and both species should prove ornamental additions to the garden. The third species V. grandiflora flowers in the winter and consequently bore no fruit, probably falling during the summer.