Horticulturist Carlos Magdalena is a man on a mission to save rare flowers from extinction. As the Head of Tropical Diversity at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, Magdalena has dedicated his life to preserving some of the world’s most endangered plant species.
Magdalena’s passion for horticulture began at a young age, when he would spend hours exploring the forests and mountains of his native Spain. He was fascinated by the diversity of plant life he encountered, and knew from an early age that he wanted to work in conservation.
After studying horticulture and botany at university, Magdalena landed a job at Kew Gardens, where he quickly made a name for himself as a skilled and dedicated horticulturist. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to propagate and care for rare and endangered plant species, using his expertise to help them thrive in captivity.
One of Magdalena’s most notable achievements is his work with the “loneliest plant in the world” – the Wood’s cycad. This critically endangered plant, native to the tiny island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, was thought to be extinct until Magdalena discovered a single surviving specimen in a London garden. He successfully propagated the plant and has since reintroduced it to its native habitat, helping to ensure the survival of this ancient species.
Magdalena’s work extends far beyond the Wood’s cycad, however. He has traveled to remote and often dangerous locations around the world to collect seeds and cuttings from rare and endangered plants, bringing them back to Kew Gardens for propagation and conservation.
In addition to his work in the field, Magdalena is also a passionate advocate for plant conservation. He frequently gives talks and lectures on the importance of preserving biodiversity, and has authored several books on the subject. He believes that every plant has a story to tell, and that by saving rare and endangered species, we are not only preserving the beauty and diversity of the natural world, but also protecting valuable genetic resources that may one day prove crucial for human survival.
Thanks to Magdalena’s dedication and expertise, countless rare and endangered plant species have been saved from extinction. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity, and the crucial role that horticulturists and botanists play in safeguarding the future of our planet.
