Threatened Plants Appeal

The very existence of life on earth depends upon plants - not just on sheer numbers but also on the diversity of species. Scientists believe that as much as a quarter of all plant species could disappear within the next 50 years. Once a species becomes extinct its unique properties are lost forever.

Thanks to Threatened Plants Appeal, conservationists at Kew are working to secure the future of the world’s most threatened plants. The work involves checking the wild status of the plants, assessing genetic diversity and recording methods of propagation and maintenance. The ultimate aim is to repatriate or reintroduce them to protected areas of natural habitat, in collaboration with their countries of origin.

Already we are enjoying success, with work in progress to reintroduce the beautiful Chilean blue crocus (Tecophilea cyanocrocus) to its native Chile, and the flowering once more of the toromiro tree (Sophoro toromiro) on Easter Island.

But is it not just exotic foreign species which are under threat. The Threatened Plants Appeal also includes British native species such as the cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) which, as a result of changes in farming practices, is now endangered in the UK.

You can play a part in Kew’s conservation work by making a donation to the Threatened Plants Appeal.

Please send your donation to:

Threatened Plants Appeal
Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
FREEPOST
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 1BR

Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 3200
Fax: +44 (0)20 8332 3201
Email: friends@kew.org