The Botanic Garden of the University of Ljubljana is actively working to save the rare and endangered plant species Eryngium alpinum, also known as the Queen of the Mountains or Alpine Sea Holly, with the help of seed banks.
Habitat changes and climate change have caused rapid declines in many plant populations, with some species disappearing entirely from their natural environments. Seed banks offer a solution by storing genetic material safely, allowing new plants to be grown and reintroduced into their natural habitats.
The international project LIFESeedforce aims to preserve Eryngium alpinum on Porezen, where the population is decreasing. In Slovenia, the species has only two known habitats – Porezen and Črna Prst. Even on Porezen, plant numbers decline each year due to overgrowth of meadows with brambles, tall grasses, shrubs, and the abandonment of traditional mowing and grazing.
To counter this, the Botanic Garden of the University of Ljubljana is cultivating young plants from collected seeds. In the final phase, 150 new seedlings will be planted on Porezen to strengthen and stabilize the population. The project actively involves the local community, which will maintain the habitat through regular mowing and grazing.
Although the official conservation project lasts five years, long-term efforts are needed. The Botanic Garden will continue monitoring the new seedlings and the overall population to ensure the Queen of the Mountains once again thrives in its alpine kingdom.
Source: University of Ljubljana
About the Author
