Aug
29

Losing Paradise?

“Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World”—Natural History Museum, through Dec. 12, 2010

Our planet’s rich diversity of plant life is at risk.  Ecosystems are changing rapidly and more than 20 percent of the world’s flora is threatened with extinction.  Scientists are racing to gather information on known plants and to document  the estimated 50,000 plant species that have never been scientifically described before they disappear forever.  This exhibit highlights the detailed botanical illustrations that convey the vital importance of plant conservation by documenting plant diversity for future generations and reminding us of our vanishing botanical wealth.

Image of Lycaste macrophylla from Peru by Angela Mirro

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Posted: 29 August 2010
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.