Semi circle

The semi circle is a so-called systematic garden: its lay out is based on the taxonomic classification of plants. Species that are closely related are planted near one another, while species with little in common are placed further apart.

What makes this system garden unique in the Netherlands is that it organises flowering plants according to molecular systematics, a classification based on similarities in genetic material. In some cases, the relationships are clearly visible on the outside, such as among the grass (Poaceae), sedge (Cyperaceae), and rush (Juncaceae) families. But genetic relatedness can also bring together plant families that appear quite different at first glance. For example, the plane family (Platanaceae), the protea family (Proteaceae), and the lotus family (Nelumbonaceae), all of which can be found side by side in the semi circle.

The bed is arranged according to the phylogeny for flowering plants as outlined in the APG IV system.