Research

Climate and Sustainability

Assessing the Sustainability and Conservation Potential of Wild-Harvested Tree Species

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Currently, 60 to 90% of medicinal and aromatic plants that are sold are collected in the wild, sustainably or unsustainably. Many of the items collected come from trees (juniper ‘berries,’ frankincense, shea, etc.), and this collection process forms an industry worth billions of dollars. Little information has been compiled about Wild Harvested Tree Species (WHTS) and what role botanical gardens could play in conservation efforts. The Arboretum is working to understand the state of WHTS and the industries associated with the harvest, with the goal of facilitating strategic conservation actions in the future.

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