Plants from all over the world fill the greenhouse

It has also become a popular attraction with 200,000 visitors in the past nine months - but is also the base for scientific research into plants and fungi.

But the reports authors say funding from the National Assembly is essential if it is to develop a serious scientific operation with international standing.

Scientists have said the Welsh site must receive similar funding for research to make a clear statement that the site is more than just a glorified garden festival.

One of the important projects in the pipeline is research into the Wales's fiftiest rarest plants.

Meanwhile, the garden has been chosen as one of the top three EU-funded projects in the UK by the Minister for Europe, Keith Vaz MP.

The botanic garden is also a centre for research

The garden - which has had substantial European funding - was nominated by Welsh Euro MPs Glenys Kinnock and Eluned Morgan for the European Parliamentary Labour Party's Europe Award.

It is due be presented at the Labour Party's Spring Conference in Glasgow on Saturday.

The award aims to demonstrate how European investment in the UK makes a real difference, by showing people good examples of how local areas have won and used European funds.

Labour Euro MPs across the UK nominated projects from their regions.

Glenys Kinnock said she was delighted that the National Botanic Garden has been judged one of the top three EU-funded projects in the UK.

"The European Award recognises the most effective use of European funding, and the National Botanic Garden of Wales is a clear example of that," she said.