Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

CONSERVATION NEWS: As part of a global effort to save one of the world’s rarest plant species from extinction, we’re excited to soon receive three seedlings of Dendroseris neriifolia – grown from seeds of the last tree of its kind in the world.

Endemic to remote Robinson Crusoe Island off Chile, the species is now represented by a single known individual on a cliffside. After decades of habitat loss, invasive species and unsuccessful recovery efforts, this emergency ex-situ conservation project may be its last chance of survival.

The Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Wakehurst received 29 seeds from the tree and has successfully established seven seedlings. Three will be transferred to Logan later this summer, where our subtropical Gulf Stream climate will provide ideal conditions for these young plants.

Paulina Hechenleitner, Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, was part of the team that collected and returned the seeds to the UK. This project highlights the power of international collaboration in preventing extinction. As well as providing a safe home for these plants, we also have an opportunity to share the story of Dendroseris neriifolia and its remarkable habitat, inspiring visitors to play their part in protecting biodiversity.

Back at Kew Gardens, eight seeds are being used in germination and cultivation trials, while the remaining seeds will be stored at the Millennium Seed Bank to safeguard the species against loss in the wild or during cultivation.

We’ll keep you posted 🌱

NEW: Feast your eyes on our summer menu, packed with fresh produce grown right here in our Kitchen Garden 🥕 🍅

Nothing says summer quite like seasonal dishes bursting with flavour – even if the weather hasn’t quite got the memo ☀️

From The Terrace Café’s signature open sandwiches to comforting hot dishes at the Gateway Café, there’s something for every appetite. Explore the full menu: https://rbge.cc/food-and-drink

Have you seen the beautiful jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)? It's a certified showstopper 🩵

Native to the rainforests of the Philippines, this turquoise climber is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae).

In the wild, its flowers are pollinated by bats! The animals hang upside down to sip its nectar 🦇

The jade vine blooms just once a year - typically for only a few weeks - and its cascading chains of luminous, finger-length flowers can grow up to 3 metres long.

📸 This stunning specimen was captured by our Science team member, Linde Hess.

A few days to go until our Midsummer Botanics Lates! Join us Friday 19 June for after-hours music, art, food and drink in the Garden.

- DJs & brass band 🎶
- Exhibitions & artist meet-up 🎨
- Meet insect experts 🦋
- Bar, street food, pizza, pre-ordered picnics and more 🍕

Find our full programme and book tickets: https://rbge.cc/lates-june

Your Botanics Lates acts have arrived! We're excited to reveal the talented musicians and artists who'll be bringing the Garden to life next Friday 🎉

Don't miss an evening of music, creativity and after-hours fun - secure your tickets now: https://rbge.cc/lates-june

📍 Friday 19 June, 6.30pm - 10pm, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

In case you missed it: the descendant of our original 200-year-old Sabal palm has been planted in our Palm Houses 🌴

This 10-year-old baby Sabal mexicana has found its new home in the the larger rectangular house, where the soaring 22-metre domed ceiling will give it space to grow and thrive for generations to come.

The Palm Houses will reopen to the public later this year.