Collecting seeds for sustainable conservation

Project Status: Completed 2025

Funded by: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, via the Global Botanic Garden Fund

Project Partner: Jardin Botanique de l’Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels et Musée Akiba, Université de
Mahajanga

Introduction

The Botanical Garden, situated at the Campus of the University of Mahajanga harbours an average of 136 species – 85% of which are endemic. The living collection needs further enriching, including endemic species which occur in the North-West of Madagascar.

Project Goals

The objectives were to study indigenous species in the field, collect seeds to propagate in the nursery and document germination parameters and constraints. In addition, seeds would be cleaned and banked for future trials and propagation.

Key Achievements

Field trips took place in the Boeny region, in northwest Madagascar, and seed collections were made from Acacia schweinfurthii, Phyllanthus casticum, Stereospermum euphoroides, Diospyros perrieri, Bussea perrieri, and Acridocarpus excelsus.

For each species, 5 to 10 individuals were sampled to ensure genetic diversity. Four pre- treatments were tested- including cold water, and boiling water at different temperatures/duration. The seeds were germinated in the Vololona Ranjamalala Botanical Garden in a substrate composed of black soil, sand and compost.

All outcomes were recorded and these results will help inform propagation methods for future germination. The successfully germinated seedlings were planted out in the botanic garden and will continue to be monitored.