The present situation of botanical collections in the Iberian Peninsula is analyzed, emphasizing the direct relation betwee collections and the study of the territories they represent. The relevance of the loss of certain collections over the last two centuries is evaluated and recommendations are given for establishing a national collection in which duplicates of the most important specimens conserved in other collections in the country are deposited. This national collection should be endowed with a regular budget and staff to guarantee its conservation and facilitate the consultations of any researchers.