Research in Context
Utilizing Rare and Endangered Species
In addition to botanical gardens, urban green spaces can accommodate a variety of species, contributing to the preservation of endangered rare tree species.
Such notable examples of rare species to preserve that have attracted broader attention are:
- Wollemi pine, Wollemia nobilis
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Through the network of botanical gardens this Australian species has been planted in far away locations around the world. Locations in the UK, in Atlanta and elsewhere have been chosen taking into account, the climate changes ahead. The widest possible range of genetic diversity found in the wild population is therefore preserved (Forestry England, Offord and Zimmer 2024).
In a recent study the focus has been on the Wollemi pine and "the willingness of amateur gardeners to grow rare and threatened species and report on the results. Such enthusiasm could potentially be harnessed to extend metacollections to home gardens, especially where botanic gardens are limited in planting space or resources for data collection" (Offord & Zimmer, 2024).
Elena Nechiporenko 2021). Partenit, Crimea - 06.14.2021: Wollemia Pine - Wollemia nobilis. Wollemia is one of the oldest plants on Earth, it was widespread in the Jurassic period. [Online image]. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/partenit-crimea-0614-wollemia-pine-nobilis-2030124758
- Zelkova spp
"Ex situ collections of Zelkova and further Tertiary relict trees in botanic gardens, as well as specimens planted in urban parks and other public venues, present a major off-site resource for raising environmental awareness and education. Embedded in compelling stories that link reports of fossil finds with their extant relatives and new discoveries, relict plants lend themselves by their very nature and origin to the development of a variety of public outreach programmes, including interactive, target audience-oriented displays and travelling exhibitions. " (​Kozlowski, Gratzfeld et al 2023).
Sakoulis, A. (2021). Zelkova abelicea is a species of tree in the family Ulmaceae and is referred to by the common names Cretan zelkova and on Crete proper as abelitsia [Online image]. Shutterstock.
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/zelkova-abelicea-species-tree-family-ulmaceae-2078924158
- Atlas Cypress (Moroccan Cypress), Cupressus atlantica
Professor emeritus Thierry Gauquelin (IMBE, Aix-Marseille University), recently published an article on the value of Atlas Cypress and the strategies for its preservation:
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"The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Cypress of Atlas as endangered of extinction. Therefore, we have to envisage large-scale strategies for the survival and even the regeneration of cypress forests.
As the Atlas Cypress is adapted to conditions of extreme aridity, it could be considered as a future species for Morocco and the whole Maghreb region (West and Central North Africa) facing changing climate conditions. In the Mediterranean sea basin, global warming creates an aridification and a prolongation of summer drought period.
Botanist and biogeographer Henri Gaussen assessed, already in 1952 :
« I believe that the cypress will provide significant services for the reforestation of arid countries. »
And why not consider the Atlas cypress for the urban forests ? It would be a good way to preserve it, outside its natural habitat where it is endangered." (​Gauquelin 2025).
Butterfly's Dream, (2025). Cupressus atlantica, the Moroccan cypress, is a rare coniferous tree endemic to the valley of the Oued n'Fiss river in the High Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech in western Morocco. [Online image]. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/cupressus-atlantica-cypress-valley-atlas-2602307161
REFERENCES
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PAPERS
​​​​​​Offord, C. A., & Zimmer, H. C. (2024).
Home gardens contribute to conservation of the critically endangered Wollemi Pine: Evaluation of a botanic garden-led horticultural release programme.
Plants, People, Planet, 6(1), 116–127.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10410
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UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH WEBSITES: ARTICLES, REPORTS, WEBINARS
​​​Fondation Franklinia (2023).
Conservation of Zelkova abelicea in Crete.
https://fondationfranklinia.org/en/projet-zelkova-crete/
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Forestry England (n.d.)
Wollemi pines at Bedgebury.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury/wollemi-pines​
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​Kozlowski, G., Gratzfeld, J., Bétrisey, S., Christe, C., Fazan, L., Frey, D., Garfì, G., Gerber, E., Kozlowski, E., Löwy -Yamama, M., & Siegel, N.-H.-R. (2023).
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
Zelkova - an ancient tree Global status and conservation action.
https://www.bgci.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Conservation-Action-Plan_-Zelkova.pdf
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​​​​​​​​ARTICLES
​Gauquelin, Thierry. (2025, July 22).
The Conversation.
Le cyprès de l’Atlas, unique au Maroc, en danger critique d’extinction.
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NEWSMEDIA ARTICLES
Mckenna, Laura. (2025, January 29).
Express.co.uk.
Warning to anyone with these six trees in their gardens.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/2007019/uk-endangered-tree-garden-warning