Kalimantan Team Finds 56 Rare Plants

Why this is here: The team’s findings included 56 rare native plants, dominated by orchids, begonias, ornamental plants, and aroids—all with potential to enrich Kalimantan’s plant collections.

A conservation team from Banua Botanical Garden in South Kalimantan, Indonesia uncovered 56 rare native plants near Liang Bangkai Cave. The exploration centered on orchids, begonias, aroids, and ornamental plants with conservation value. Collected plants now receive intensive care at the garden through an ex-situ conservation system.

The team intends to cultivate these plants to expand the garden’s collections and support education. They are also working to adapt species to thrive in the garden, noting some require specialized cultivation.

Researchers are redistributing seeds of previously collected rare species back into their natural habitats. Meranti trees, conserved from earlier explorations, are being replanted in Tanah Bumbu District. The team acknowledges the need to continue monitoring the plants’ adaptation and long-term survival within the garden and in the wild.