[1] The ICRA system was established more 50 years ago, and operates under the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP), which in turn works with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.
Each name designation must be formally established by being published in hard copy, with a description in a dated publication.
At present it recognizes over 70 ICRAs, ranging from societies focused on a specific genus (such as Clivia, Quercus, or Saxifraga), through organizations with broader sets of interests (including the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the United States National Arboretum), to individuals.
The ICRA system is in effect the horticultural world's attempt at self-policing of nomenclature and is truly international in its scope.
Each ICRA is also charged with the responsibility of ensuring that new names are formally established (i.e. published in hard copy, with a description in a dated publication).