Originally founded in 1984, the Center for Plant Conservation is supported by a consortium of 29 botanical gardens and arboreta throughout the United States. With approximately one out of every 10 plant species in the United States facing potential extinction, the CPC is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to preventing extinction of the rare plants of the United States. This agreement will strengthen the ties and shared conservation vision of the two organizations and enhance our science-based programs. Equally important, the potential for development of public education and outreach programs is enormous when approached cooperatively. The United States currently is home to 735 threatened or endangered plant species.
Native plants are important for their economic, and aesthetic values.
Plants play an important role in development of crops that resist disease, insects, and drought. At least 25 percent of prescription drugs contain ingredients derived from plant compounds, including medicines used to treat cancer, heart disease, juvenile leukemia, and malaria, and to assist organ transplant recipients. Plants are also used to develop natural pesticides. Only by working together to increase our effectiveness can we stem the alarming decline and extinction of plant species around the world. Botanical gardens and arboreta play an important role in educating the public about native plant conservation, Paine said.