Palma corcho: A case study in botanic garden conservation horticulture and economics
2011
Kay, Judy | Strader, Arantza A. | Murphy, Vickie | Nghiem-Phu, Lan | Calonje, Michael | Griffith, M Patrick
Horticulture is an essential part of plant conservation programs, and botanic gardens are uniquely suited for conservation horticulture work. Here, we present a case study of a successful cycad (Cycadales) propagation program at Montgomery Botanical Center (MBC, Miami, FL), using palma corcho (Microcycas calocoma) as an example. This species is highly sought in the nursery trade, and overcollection of wild plants is one factor leading to imperilment of natural populations. Thus, propagation and distribution of palma corcho can make a strategic contribution to in situ conservation. Provenance history of the living collections is reviewed, and techniques for propagation and establishment are detailed. An innovative botanic garden/industry partnership to provide seed for cultivation is discussed. Finally, we present analysis of market forces with regard to rare plant availability and conservation, using palma corcho as an example. Average price per seed has fallen by over half since offered on public auction. This inversely correlates with seed supply, which has been steadily increasing during the last 15 years and helping meet the high market demand. We project the cost of palma corcho will fall further to a point where collection from the wild has no further economic incentive.
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