Conservationists in the United Kingdom have initiated efforts to revive a critically endangered tree species, Dendroseris neriifolia, which survives as a single wild specimen clinging to a volcanic cliff on Robinson Crusoe Island, part of Chile’s Juan Fernández Islands in the South Pacific. This native tree daisy has been devastated by habitat loss caused by forest clearance, heavy grazing, invasive species, and repeated wildfires.

Previous attempts to restore the species in its natural habitat on Robinson Crusoe Island, approximately 400 miles west of Chile’s mainland, were unsuccessful. In response, conservationists shifted their focus to ex-situ preservation, beginning seed collection efforts in 2017. In May of this year, 29 seeds were transferred to the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Wakehurst in West Sussex, England, where eight of the seeds successfully germinated.

Two of these seedlings have since been relocated to the Logan Botanic Garden in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, while the remaining plants are maintained at both Kew Wakehurst and Kew Gardens in London. Richard Baines, curator at Logan Botanic Garden, described the arrival of the seedlings as a pivotal moment in the conservation campaign. He emphasized that species from the Juan Fernández Islands typically adapt well to conditions at Logan, marking the beginning of a promising phase of study and cultivation.

Baines noted that nurturing the seedlings in a controlled environment offers a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of their adaptability and to develop strategies to combat the broader biodiversity crisis. He also highlighted the educational potential of displaying these plants to the public, underscoring the role of knowledge and collaborative efforts in advancing conservation goals.

Robinson Crusoe Island is historically linked to the story of the utilitarian marooning of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, who is believed to have inspired Daniel Defoe’s fictional character. The ongoing project reflects a coordinated international commitment to preserving this unique tree species and preventing its extinction.