Two seedlings of the Dendroseris neriifolia tree have arrived at Logan Botanic Garden in Scotland, marking a pivotal step in conservation efforts for the species native to Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island.
The two seedlings, part of eight that germinated from seeds collected from the last surviving wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree, were transferred from Kew Gardens to Logan Botanic Garden (LBG) this week. The species, a “tree daisy” once abundant on Robinson Crusoe Island, now faces extinction after habitat destruction and invasive species reduced its population to a single wild individual by 1980. Conservationists describe the move as a significant moment
in efforts to secure the species’ future.
Conservation Efforts and Species Background
The Dendroseris neriifolia, native to the Juan Fernández Islands, has been severely impacted by deforestation, grazing by introduced mammals, and invasive plants. By 1980, only eight wild trees remained. A 2017 breakdown in protective measures allowed invasive species to further threaten the last surviving tree, which now clings to a cliffside on Robinson Crusoe Island with structural support. Since then, seed collections and restoration projects have aimed to revive the species, with 29 seeds recently transferred to the Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) at Kew Wakehurst.
Richard Baines, curator at LBG, emphasized the garden’s role in the species’ survival.
Richard Baines said that experience shows plant species from the Juan Fernández Islands do well at Logan.
Richard Baines said that this is the start of an exciting new period.
The two seedlings will be cultivated in Scotland, while the remaining six seedlings will remain at Kew Gardens and Kew Wakehurst. LBG’s climate, deemed
Richard Baines noted that the climate is particularly suitable for rare Chilean plants.
offers a controlled environment for research and public education.
The seedlings, which travelled more than 300 miles north to their new home at LBG in Scotland, were part of eight that germinated from seeds collected from the last known Dendroseris neriifolia tree in the world. The species, a type of “tree daisy” native to Robinson Crusoe Island, has suffered a dramatic decline in its natural habitat because of widespread forest clearance, intensive grazing by introduced mammals, invasive plants, and repeated fires. By 1980, only eight surviving wild D. neriifolia trees remained. Despite reintroduction efforts in the early 2000s, the breakdown of protective measures in 2017 allowed invasive species to enter the site. The last remaining wild tree is now clinging to the side of a steep cliff on Robinson Crusoe Island and is supported with ropes to prevent it from falling.
Quotes from Officials and Collaborators
Baines highlighted the educational value of the project, noting that displaying the seedlings publicly could
Baines noted that displaying the seedlings publicly could explain how knowledge, determination, and teamwork can bring tangible responses to many of the impacts of the biodiversity crisis.
He added,
Baines said that by caring about the natural world, we can all do our bit to make changes for the better.
Diego Penneckamp, a scientist at Jardin Botanico VerdeNativo, called the effort a race against time.
Diego Penneckamp said that this international collaboration to support the last remaining individual could prevent the extinction of a species that represents a unique lineage with its own natural history.
Felipe Saez, administrator of Parque Nacional Archipielago Juan Fernandez, praised the transfer as
Felipe Saez said that this is one of the most significant collaborative efforts.
to protect the archipelago’s flora.
International Collaboration and Next Steps
The transfer follows years of cross-border conservation work. Seeds collected since 2017 have been stored in seed banks, with the latest batch arriving at Kew in May. The two seedlings now at LBG will be studied to understand their adaptation to different environments, while the remaining plants stay at Kew for further research. Conservationists hope the project will inform future reintroduction efforts on Robinson Crusoe Island.
The success of the initiative hinges on continued international cooperation. As Penneckamp noted,
Diego Penneckamp said that this international collaboration to support the last remaining individual could prevent the extinction of a species that represents a unique lineage with its own natural history.
With the last wild tree in precarious condition, the seedlings in Scotland represent a critical lifeline—and a test of humanity’s capacity to reverse ecological loss.
What Comes Next for the Species?
Conservationists are now focusing on long-term strategies to stabilize the Dendroseris neriifolia population. Key next steps include monitoring the seedlings’ growth at LBG, refining propagation techniques, and exploring opportunities for reintroducing mature plants to protected areas in Chile. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for similar efforts targeting other critically endangered species. For now, the two seedlings at LBG stand as both a symbol of hope and a reminder of the urgency facing global biodiversity.
