Oh flowers of Scotland, we'll see your like again

Published on Thursday 5 March 2009 21:06

SOME of the world's rarest plants clinging to survival in isolated pockets of Scotland are to be thrown a lifeline to save them from extinction.

The Arran whitebeam now exists in just one valley on the island, making it one of the rarest species in the world.

And over-grazing of mountain habitats has forced the woolly willow to a few remaining rocky areas and cliff edges, where it continues to struggle against extinction.

Now the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is opening a facility that will focus solely on rare Scottish plant species. It is the first facility of its kind in the world.

Other plants to be researched at the new facility include the small cow wheat and a rare type of wintergreen.

Populations of the small cow wheat, which lives in native pine forests and heathland in Scotland, have plummeted from an estimated 200 to just 18 in recent years.

At the facility, new specimens of the endangered plants will be grown to be returned to the wild and boost numbers. Scientific research, including genetic tests, will also be carried out on the plants.

Back-up specimens will be planted, to ensure that some of the plants remain even if they are wiped out in the wild.

Professor Mary Gibby, the director of science at the Royal Botanic Garden, said: "We are trying to work out what the threats are and what is causing the populations to decline, and whether there are measures we can put in place to help to bring them back and save them from extinction."

New plants will be grown from seeds and cuttings collected from the wild.

Researchers have had a harrowing time trying to get hold of samples of cuttings and seeds from some of the plants.

Those studying the woolly willow have had to go on safety training before struggling to get access to the remote areas where the shrub can still be found.

Prof Gibby believes that it is crucial to maintain the variety of plant species that now exist in Scotland.

And she thinks it is important to protect species at home, as well as those overseas. She said: "We do a lot of work with plants from overseas. We work with the ginger family, and rhododendrons from China and the Himalayas, and with begonias and others."

But Prof Gibby added: "I think it's important that we are helping to conserve biodiversity at home as well."

The plants will be studied and grown in the nursery area of the botanic garden, which is not open to the public.

However, some specimens will be planted in the public garden for visitors to enjoy.

The new "plant house", which consists of a large polytunnel where the specimens can be cultivated, opens on Wednesday.