Ex situ conservation of the species Carpinus orientalis (Mill.) in national botanical gardens

Abstract

This study presents recent data resulting from the research of the endangered hornbeam species, oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis Mill.). The protection status of the oriental hornbeam a rare endangered species is regulated at the national level by the Law on the State Protected Natural Areas Fund and by its inclusion in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova, indicating a high risk of disappearance from the gene pool of the spontaneous flora. Currently, the monitoring and conservation of the Oriental hornbeam are carried out in two institutions in Chișinău: the "Alexandru Ciubotaru" National Botanical Garden (Institute) of USM and the Botanical Garden of the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History. Furthermore, ex situ conservation in planned forest micro-exhibitions represents an efficient strategy for reducing the threat of future extinction of this valuable species for the national spontaneous flora.