Abutilon pitcairnense - back from the brink

Noeleen Smyth published an article on Abutilon pitcairnense in Curtis’ Botanical Magazine, which included a portrait painted by botanical artist, Susan Sex (right). This species is teetering on the brink of extinction, but alive and well under the care of our horticultural staff here at Glasnevin. Whilst gardening may seem a world away from saving the planet, the very converse is true and many plants under our care at Glasnevin and Kilmacurragh, are of huge significance. Growing them is more than just a public spectacle – it gives us an insight into how to restore and rehabilitate these plants into damaged habitats.

Visitors can help this project by buying packs of greeting cards or a limited edition mounted print of a watercolour, also by Susan, showing the arrival of HMS Bounty at Pitcairn Island in 1790 – both are available from the Visitor Centre. Funds raised from the sale are being used to support the conservation work on Pitcairn Island, which is being funded by the Mohammed Bin Zayed Conservation Fund.

You can watch the news item that was broadcast on RTE Six One News on January 27th here .


The Pitcairn Islands Philatelic Bureau have issued two stamps featuring Abutilon pitcairnense (right)
First day covers can be ordered from their website www.stamps.gov.pn