Open AccessCultivation of Orites Myrtoideus
Author(s) -
Robert Blackhall-Miles
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
sibbaldia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2513-9231
DOI - 10.24823/sibbaldia.2019.271
Subject(s) - ex situ conservation , shrub , evergreen , germination , geography , agroforestry , threatened species , taxon , biology , botany , ecology , endangered species , habitat
Orites myrtoideus (Poepp. & Endl.) Engl. is an evergreen shrub in the family Proteaceae, endemic to the Andes of both Chile and Argentina. With a small distribution and increasing risks, direct conservation action has been recommended. Ex situ cultivation and subsequent translocation of populations may be an option for the conservation of this species. In recent documented history this species has been grown ex situ on only a small number of occasions. One plant was grown outside at Benmore Botanic Garden for a period of five years and another has been grown at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as part of the Arid Lands collections. A better understanding of its cultivation requirements has been deemed necessary before ex situ collections can be established.This study aims to give a broad overview of the germination and first 12 months of cultivation of this taxon with the aim of informing future ex situ cultivation and subsequent restoration initiatives.