Seed collection and monitoring of endemic flora on Flores

Dec. 23, 2025

As part of action C3 – Implementation of pilot conservation works for the conservation of endemic flora (in-situ and ex-situ) of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, the team from the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action went to Flores island to collect seeds and monitor population reinforcements of native species. In total, 10 samples were collected for the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, which will later be propagated in the Faial Botanic Garden.

It was also possible to verify that the population reinforcement of Ammi trifoliatum is thriving and is currently at its peak flowering. As soon as the species begins seed production, the seeds should be collected and sent to the Faial Botanic Garden. In the project's intervention area, it was observed that some species are being affected by rabbit predation, so a protective fence will be installed to prevent herbivory and allow the plants the necessary space for their development. Often, when confined to individual protectors, plants cannot expand laterally, therefore, it is essential to ensure that the fence is well fixed to the ground, possibly using additional stakes.

In general, it was found that most herbaceous species have not yet reached peak fruiting, so collections should be repeated in September, even for species already sampled, with the exception of Festuca francoi.

With these actions, the commitment to biodiversity conservation is reinforced, ensuring the protection and appreciation of the endemic and protected flora of the Region.

 

Learn more about this project coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action at: www.lifeazoresnatura.eu/en/.