Threatened Plants of Madagascar Project

Madagascar is home to more than 10,000 plant species, 80% of which occur nowhere else in the world. With natural vegetation ranging from rainforest to the unique spiny forest of succulent plants, the island has a level of plant diversity which places Madagascar amongst the World's most important hotspots for biodiversity. In common with many other tropical countries, the flora of Madagascar is extremely threatened not only by habitat destruction for agriculture, but also, in the case of certain species, by over-collection for the horticultural trade.
The primary objective of the project is the in-situ conservation of selected highly threatened species of Orchids, Palms and Succulents by focusing on ex-situ species management to reduce collection pressure on wild populations.
Project funding comes from the Threatened Plants of Madagascar Appeal run by the Friends of Kew, a registered charity with the objectives of raising funds for Kew and increasing the understanding of Kew’s mission - “to enable better management of the Earth’s environment by increasing knowledge and understanding of the plant kingdom.”

PALMS

One of the most severely threatened groups - about 170 species, 97% endemic. The palm flora is of global importance and contains some of the most spectacular and horticulturally desirable of palms.
The project will focus on the conservation of three of the most threatened species: Beccariophoenix madagascariensis, Dypsis ambositrae and Ravenea louvelii which will be cultivated at PBZT and Parc d’Ivoloina.

SUCCULENTS

Highest diversity occurs in the semi-arid Spiny Forest of the extreme south and south west - 85% of plant species endemic.
The project will attempt to save ten of the most threatened succulent species from the brink of extinction: Alluaudiopsis marnierana, Aloe descoingsii ssp. augustina, Aloe suzannae, Aloe helenae, Aloe rauhii, Ceropegia petignatii, Euphorbia parvicyathophora, Euphorbia tulearensis, Kalanchoe arborescens and Kalanchoe bracteata var. longisepala.
Target species will be established in cultivation at the Antsokay Arboretum.

ORCHIDS

The most diverse family - about 1000 species, 90% endemic.
The project will concentrate on six species from varying habitats that are horticulturally desirable and threatened by over-collection: Aeranthes henrici, Angraecum longicalcar, Angraecum magdalenae, Bulbophyllum hamelinii, Eulophiella roempleriana and Grammangis spectabilis.
In-vitro propagation will occur at the laboratories of PSFH/CTHA, while cultivation will take place at PBZT and re-introduction at ANGAP-Andasibe.

CAPACITY BUILDING

Training opportunities in botanical research, plant propagation and the management of plant collections will be provided for staff at our partner organisations.
Funds will be utilised to help improve facilities at our partner organisations.
The project will undertake activities to promote public awareness of conservation and environmental education issues.

THREATS

Habitat Destruction	Over-collection

PROJECT PARTNERS

Kew’s involvement in Madagascar is in collaboration with botanists, horticulturalists and conservationists from our Malagasy partner organisations:

CONTACT

Adam Britt, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK. Email
Tiana Randriamboavonjy, Kew House, Lot II J 131 B, Ambodivoanjo - Ivandry, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar. Email
Colin Clubbe, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK. Email

Please also see our Threatened Plants of Madagascar Appeal pages.