The 18th of May 2020 marked Plant Conservation Day. This is a day where we celebrated researchers, conservationists and botanical gardens who are working hard to conserve endangered species of plants, and raise awareness for the work ahead to preserve these species.
Read below to discover the 2 species of plants that are currently endangered or extinct in the wild that you can have in your home.
Hawaiian palm (Brighamia insignis)
Commonly known as the vulcan palm or "cabbage on a stick" (we considerably prefer the latter) is a beautiful plant that has fragranced flowers that smell of jasmine. This plant certainly turns heads with its strange and elegant structure.
Unfortunately, the elegant structure of its also flowers meant that it could be pollinated only by a certain moth: When this moth became extinct, the Hawaiian palm relied on only humans to pollinate them.
Fortunately, this plant is now sold as a houseplant, so you can be the proud owner of one of the world's rarest houseplant with only one specimen reportedly left in the wild.
Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba)
The Ginkgo biloba is the only species of the division Ginkgophyta that exists today and is believed to be completely extinct in the wild. This plant goes back further than the dinosaurs, with 270 million year old fossils being found in China.
These plants can be planted in pots which will limit the growth of the tree but makes for an interesting addition to your houseplant collection and a fantastic bonsai!
Rafflesia Flower
We just wanted to throw this one in for fun. Note: You probably can't (and shouldn't) grow this at home.
The Rafflesia Flower is believed to be the largest flower on the planet, measuring over 1 metre (39 in) in diameter and weighing up to 10kg. This plant is known to be found in southeastern Asia, (It is one of the three national flowers of Indonesia) and is commonly referred to as the "corpse flower" due to its pungent smell of rotting flesh.
This flower only blooms for a short period (around a week) before dying, attracting thousands of tourists to the rainforest who wish to take a glimpse at this impressive plant. This flower is so temperamental, that Singapore's Botanic Gardens have struggled to make the plant bloom in its controlled setting, adding to the the mystery and awe that surrounds this plant.
Why is it endangered: There are several reasons for this plant being threatened: Illegal collectors in Asia harvest the plant for its traditional remedies, its habitat is being destroyed due to rainforests being cleared and there are more male Rafflesias around so the chances of pollination between a male and female plant is limited.