Searching for a rare palm species hidden within the Comoro Islands wilderness
In short: Kew researchers and local experts joined forces on two recent expeditions to find a wild population of the elusive Ravenea moorei. This effort highlights the collaborative work required to track down and protect rare botanical species in their native habitats.
Between 2023 and 2024, a team of scientists and horticulturists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, partnered with local specialists from the Comoros University herbarium and the Karthala National Park. Their goal was to locate the wild Ravenea moorei palm, a species that remains a target for conservation efforts.
The project relied on international cooperation, including guidance from Dahari and the Centre National de Documentation et de Recherche Scientifique. Financial backing for these missions came from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, alongside the International Palm Society. The work also received support from the United Nations Development Programme, the Global Environments Facility, and the Comorian government.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Comoros: The Lost Palm | Kew
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