Scotland has an outstanding diversity of cryptogamic plants (mosses and liverworts) and fungi. It is home to the best remaining examples of globally rare temperate rainforest habitats characterised by epiphytic lichens and bryophytes, as well as iconic habitats such as the Caledonian pinewoods, blanket peat, and machair.

RBGE has extensive research, conservation and outreach programmes aimed at understanding the plant diversity of Scotland, how it is likely to respond to environmental change, how to develop management solutions to protect its plants, and how to connect plants and people with the aim of enhancing sustainability and environmental stewardship.