The Center for Tropical Plant Conservation is dedicated to conserving tropical plants, driven by the imperative to avoid the extinction of species and their habitats. These activities are measured by the delivery of quantifiable conservation benefits to Fairchild's priority geographic investment regions (South Florida, Caribbean, oceanic islands, tropical Africa, and Madagascar) and plant groups (palms, cycads, tropical fruit and tropical trees). These have been selected because of conservation need, institutional expertise and history. Main activities include field exploration of important plant areas, conservation assessments, species recovery and direct support to in-situ conservation.
Fairchild Herbarium
Our herbarium is one of the most valuable resources for Florida and Caribbean botany. We have over 165,000 herbarium specimens from throughout the region. We are projecting growth of the collection to over 250,000 specimens over the next five years. Associated with the Herbarium is an innovative program to display electronic images of herbarium specimens, the Virtual Herbarium, a resource used by researchers and students from all over the world.
Species and Habitat Conservation
South Florida conservation: Working with local partners, Fairchild's South Florida Species and Habitat "Conservation Team" is conserving dozens of locally threatened plant species. This work includes mapping and monitoring, ecological and genetic research, propagation and reintroduction. Our conservation collections include approximately 100 rare native plant species from South Florida and the Caribbean. Fairchild is a founding member of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), the U.S. national network of facilities supporting the conservation of our nation's most threatened plant species. Learn more>>
International conservation: Our staff is active in the highest levels of international plant conservation policy, including representation in the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Fairchild is a member of Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI), the world network for conservation and education orientated botanic gardens. We have ongoing conservation projects in the Caribbean and Latin America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, where we work with botanic gardens and in-country conservation teams. We partner with the Caribbean Botanic Gardens for Conservation Network and the African Botanic Garden Network. Fairchild has ongoing conservation partnerships in over 20 countries. Learn more>>
Priority Plant Groups
Palm Conservation: The Palm Conservation program implements palm conservation expertise and develops practical models for palm conservation. Through both local and global programs, Fairchild's Palm Conservation team takes a multidisciplinary approach to conservation, examining biological questions related to plant rarity, as well as conserving natural areas where palms grow. Fairchild hosts the internationally recognized Palm Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. We have a strong commitment to molecular, ecological, taxonomic, and anatomical research, which generate invaluable data to support our understanding of palm biology. Learn more>>
Cycad Conservation: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is working to conserve Cycads, one of the earth's most ancient plant forms. In partnership with US research teams and overseas partners we are researching the phylogenetic origins of the cycads, the genetic diversity of threatened species and propagating some of the world's most threatened species. Learn more>>
Tropical Fruit Resources: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden continues the pioneering work of Dr. David Fairchild, founder of the Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction Division of the United States Department of Agriculture. We are committed to his far-reaching goals for the collection, conservation, curation and distribution of superior tropical fruit from the Americas and Asia. With our roots firmly anchored in traditional horticulture, we apply the newest techniques to advance the cultivation, conservation and appreciation of tropical fruit resources. Learn more>>
FIU-FTBG Molecular Lab
Fairchild has one of the few molecular laboratories in a botanic garden, a joint facility with Florida International University. We use DNA research to help conserve plants. Studying DNA allows us to recognize when plants are on the verge of extinction and helps us choose the best approach for saving them. It also provides new information on the diversity, distribution, and evolution of life in the tropics. Learn more>>
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
With active partnerships with area colleges (including Florida International University, University of Miami, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida) we train graduate and postdoctoral students. We are uniquely positioned to provide innovative educational experiences and deliver top quality science. Learn more>>
10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156 • Phone: 305-667-1651 • Fax 305-661-8953
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