Botanist's Lens: Endemic, Rare Living Collections

The Dell with a Dawn Redwood tree (Metasequoia gylptostroboides) and the South River

London Town's garden is a sanctuary of its own. The beautiful South River wrapping around its edges makes every section of the garden feel serene, but what gives the gardens its true depth of serenity is the fact that it is home to several living collections that teach us about endemism, conservation and evolution.

What does endemism mean? "Endemism refers to a species that is restricted to a particular geographic region as a result of factors such as isolation or in response to abiotic conditions." (Source)

"Endemic plant species are usually more vulnerable to anthropogenic threats and natural changes and, therefore, hold a higher extinction risk. Ex situ conservation measures must be undertaken to support the conservation of these species". https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32182892/

Dawn Redwood tree (Metasequoia gylptostroboides) by the Visitor Center

One easy example of endemic species is: Sequoia sempervirens, coast redwood or California redwood. This species is different than Metasequoia gylptostroboides which is commonly called as Dawn Redwood.