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Kew's Chelsea Flower Show Stand 2005
Search and Rescue!
Sometimes by chance, sometimes during detailed surveys, botanical search parties are rediscovering plant species that have not been seen in the wild for many years. These plants often survive in tiny populations, located in very inaccessible spots.
Then the rescue process begins. Horticulturists step in to collect seeds or cuttings to establish the species in cultivation and botanists to confirm its identity. Propagation increases the number in cultivation and distribution to other gardens improves its survival prospects. Storing its seeds in seed banks, finding out how to pollinate its flowers and assessing its genetic diversity before initiating breeding programmes provide supplementary strategies to conserve the species outside its natural habitat.
In an ideal world, species would be conserved within their original habitats, where they co-exist with other plants and animals and evolve naturally. With natural habitats vanishing at an alarming rate, we must identify remaining habitat fragments, monitor their vegetation and control invasive plants and animals. This will help prevent further losses and support restoration programmes.