Re: [IGSROBIN] Geranium arboreum

Cannot agree more, Andrew.  Many endangered species that seem to have narrow
ecological nitches can thrive in a variety of quite different locations.
They only seem specialized because that is the open nitch they evolved to
live in.  Unless they have specialized symbiotic bacterial or fungal
relationships, or some other unusual requirement, they can do well in many
situations.  In addition, that is the only way, often, to save them for
possible re-introduction.

-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew <awilson@FDA.NET>
To: IGSROBIN@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU <IGSROBIN@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Date: Thursday, February 04, 1999 8:36 PM
Subject: Geranium arboreum


>Dear Robin,
>
>With G. arboreum so threatened I do think it should be propagated and grown
>where it can be protected. An example in point is the monotypic succulent
>genus Brighamia. It was found on nearly vertical cliffs of one of the
>islands of Hawaii (was it Kauai?) in a very limited location. Most people
>feared it was doomed once it had be found because it is such a choice plant
>and because of the climatic requirement of year-round uniform but cool
>temperatures, strong sunlight, moisture and wind - all of which resemble
>Geranium arboreum's conditions.
>
>Well, the good news is that it was found far easier to propagate and grow
in
>cultivation and was found to have a much wider tolerance of conditions than
>originally feared. It is still on the Federal Endangered Species List but
>each time I attend a succulent show I am almost sure to find it there. So,
>perhaps a few seeds in the right hands should be tried by somebody. Or
>tissue culture?
>
>Another case, Pelargonium cotyledonis has more specimens in cultivation
than
>in the wild, I understand.
>
>Andrew
>San Diego, California
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