One of the world's rarest plants is blooming again in a secret UK location | Enjoying nature

One of the rarest plants in the world, the Cotoneaster cambricus30 specimens were successfully reintroduced into the wild at a secret location, increasing the number of living specimens of the species to 110 in the world. Plants growing on cliffs in North Wales were once on the brink of extinction. Only six known individuals live in the wild.

A Cotoneaster cambricus It was once abundant in the 18th century, but over-collection and overgrazing by sheep and cattle in its natural habitat led to its near-extinction. Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom started a successful initiative by raising a nursery breed.

“It's a remarkable feeling for our team to grow these plants from cuttings and, after so many years, to see them finally return to the wild and give hope to these species. We're excited to be a part of this important, collaborative effort. Cotoneaster cambricusFrom that One of the rarest plants in the world“, he said Richard HewittFor Nursery Group Manager, website IFL Science.

30 of the reintroduced specimens were planted with special protection measures to keep them safe from any livestock that might pass by. Their numbers are expected to continue to grow as plants begin to flower and grow from seedlings without the risk of being chewed.

“Garden of 30 Cotoneaster cambricus Earlier this month, it was the culmination of 7 years of work between a large group of partner institutions to collect seeds, test germination techniques and create the right conditions for the plants to be reintroduced into their original habitat,” he said. Rosie CressmanSenior Horticultural Technician at Trevorth Botanic Gardens, Bangor University, Wales.