Plants Worth Saving

CONSERVATION Plants Worth Saving

By Lucas Meers, Conservation Program Officer

When we hear compliments from guests on how much they love Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, they do not always know why their visit feels so unique. After a brief conversation, many realize the gardens and the incredible work the horticulture team plays a part in offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Just as the flowers and plants are an integral part of your visit, our photosynthetic friends are an integral part of every ecosystem. That is why we work to protect plant species in addition to the animal species we love so much.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has four flagship plant conservation programs focusing on endangered plant species in our region:

Cigar or Cowhorn Orchid, Cyrtopodium punctatum (Pictured left and above)

This is a gorgeous orchid found in south Florida that was reduced to only a few known individuals due to poaching, which is taking them from the wild. Now, with the help of propagation at Atlanta Botanical Garden, we planted several of these individuals in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park to increase their numbers in the wild.

Chapman’s Fringed Orchid,

Platanthera chapmanii

This rare orchid is threatened with habitat loss and only found in a few pockets in north Florida, South Georgia, and a tiny population near Houston, Texas. We monitor all known populations in the region while looking for new populations and working with landowners and government agencies to protect their habitat.

Torreya Tree, Torreya taxifolia

This is America’s most endangered conifer. Threats to the species include a fungal disease thought to have originated from China, but also habitat loss after Hurricane Michael swept through their tiny pocket of habitat in 2018 knocking down 90 percent of the tree cover. We assist with monitoring their population, creating a safeguard population, and documenting the fungal disease.

Pitcher Plants, Sarracenia spp.

These carnivorous plants are found throughout eastern North America, with several species found here in Florida. Threatened with habitat loss, we partner with the Atlanta Botanical Garden to regularly plant pitcher plants in their native habitat in Deer Lake State Park.

When you visit the Zoo, you will see signs for these four species where you can learn more about each one. Plus, every time you visit, a portion of your ticket or membership goes to support the protection of these species. Thank you for supporting plant conservation.