As part of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, coordinated by the Graciosa Island Environment and Climate Action Service, further conservation work has been carried out on the endemic flora of Graciosa island to boost the populations of Azorina vidalii and Tolpis succulenta.

Six specimens of Azorina vidalii, produced at the Faial Botanic Garden from seeds collected on Ilhéu da Praia, were planted, thereby enabling the creation of a new subpopulation at Rochela.

In the same area, 15 specimens of Tolpis succulenta, also originating from Ilhéu da Praia, were planted alongside the previously established subpopulation, reinforcing the presence of this species at the site.

Also noteworthy is the high success rate of direct sowing of Azorina vidalii in Rochela, where hundreds of germinated seedlings have already been observed, demonstrating the potential of this methodology for the recovery of the species.

Meanwhile, in the Agriculture Development greenhouse, new germinations of Azorina vidalii were recorded. The seedlings have already been propagated, contributing to continued plant production and future population boosts for the species on the island of Graciosa.

All this work was carried out by the team from the Environment and Climate Action Service on the island of Graciosa.

These actions fall under Action C3.2 – Implementation of pilot projects for the conservation of endemic flora – In-situ conservation.

With the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union.