A special rescue operation: The Botanical Garden has improved seeds for five rare Israeli wildflowers

The wildflower project of the University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram, Jerusalem, continues to expand with the addition of five new species of Israeli wildflowers.

This unique project operates with the goal of encouraging the use of local wild plants in private and public gardening, thereby contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the return of nature to the daily living environment.

For over 40 years, the University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram, Jerusalem, has been engaged in the collection, cultivation, propagation, and distribution of Israeli wildflower seeds. Every year, hundreds of thousands of seeds are collected, undergoing cleaning, sorting, and packaging processes with the participation of garden staff and members of diverse communities.

The seeds are adapted to the local climate and growing conditions in Israel, allowing everyone to enjoy spectacular local blooming alongside a real contribution to nature conservation.

This year, five new and special species were added to the unique project:

1. Papaver hybridum: A rare annual plant that has survived mainly in traditional agricultural fields. Its red flowers are characterized by a unique black-yellow spot at the base of the petals.

2. Erodium malacoides: A rare species of the coastal plain, with delicate and impressive blooming, also suitable for mountain areas.

3. Coleostephus myconis: Another rare species of the coastal plain, which enriches the variety of local plants and attracts many pollinators.

4. Crupina crupinastrum: A plant at risk of extinction, which blooms in early summer and is characterized by delicate flowers and unique membranous bracts.

5. Hyoscyamus albus: One of the rarest wild plants in Israel, which thrives in semi-shaded areas and near walls and rocks.

"When people sow wildflowers in the garden, on the balcony, or in a planter, they are not only enjoying beautiful blooming, they are becoming partners in the effort to preserve Israeli nature. Using local flora strengthens biodiversity even in built-up spaces, supports pollinators and local ecosystems, and promotes sustainability," noted the manager of the wildflower project, Ori Gilad.

The "Returning Nature to Gardens" project is intended to strengthen the connection between the public and local nature. Each seed packet is dedicated to a specific species and includes information and sowing instructions, allowing for successful growth even for those who do not have previous gardening experience.

The University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram, Jerusalem, is one of the largest in the Middle East and spans about 150 dunams in the heart of the city. The garden houses the largest collection of living plants in Israel and the region, including over 7,300 species and varieties from around the world.