Heliconias planted as ornamentals in a garden in Panama (IMAGE)
Caption
Heliconias planted as ornamentals in a garden in Panama.
Gardeners have cultivated Heliconia species for centuries as striking ornamental plants. This popularity has put some species at risk of overexploitation and poaching. In addition, Heliconia plants are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and climate change.
Smithsonian researchers will attend an international meeting of Heliconia scientists and commercial growers in Hawaii at the end of March to contribute to efforts to conserve these plants. By raising public awareness and promoting responsible tourism, they hope to mitigate unsustainable production and demand for these plants. This would help alleviate pressures on wild populations of Heliconias and other endangered plant species.
Credit
John Kress
Usage Restrictions
News media use of the photos in relation to the study is only permitted with attribution.
License
Original content