Ornamental potential of the coastal plant Lapiedra martinezii Lag. (Amaryllidaceae): the role of its revalorization in xero-gardening and ex-situ conservation

Abstract

Lapiedra martinezii Lag. (Amaryllidaceae) is an autumn-flowering geophyte that grows in coastal and sublittoral environments. The interests on this species has come out during the last decades due to its content in bioactive alkaloids and its conservational status. The aim of this work was to review the available information on L. martinezii and to assess whether it could be introduced as ornamental plant in xero-gardening. Therefore, the aesthetic traits were analyzed and compared to other cultivated and wild plants. Also, information on its ecological and propagation requirements were checked to discern whether it could be adapted under different production systems and culture conditions. In addition, other aspects were also analyzed to identify strengths and limitations of this species for its further revalorization as ornamental plant. The results obtained suggest that L. martinezii could be a good choice as foliage plant to grow it on gardens as an alpine bulb or pot plant. Moreover, it might be quite well adapted under different production and culture conditions in dry and semi-arid regions. The horticultural traits related to its germination and in vitro multiplication are interesting strengths to bear in mind for its industrial propagation and early domestication. Finally considered, the introduction in xero-gardening could also help in its ex-situ conservation. However, a more-in-depth research would be needed to finally introduce it in the ornamental plants’ market.

Comparison of the Climate Change Tolerance of Native and Non-Native Species Used or Potentially Used as Ornamentals in Mediterranean Areas

“…In this sense, xeriscaping, based on the use of plants with greater resistance and better efficiency in the use of water resources, is a good option due to its environmental and economic benefits. Native plants from arid and saline areas of the Mediterranean basin represent an important source of resources for research, since they can potentially be used as ornamentals due to their ability to overcome adverse environmental conditions through the development of diverse adaptation mechanisms including morphological, physiological and biochemical modification patterns [13][14][15].…”

“…This approach is based on thoughtful choices that balance aesthetic appeal with water conservation and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional landscaping practices, particularly in regions facing water scarcity challenges [11]. Therefore, the environmental benefits of switching from traditional gardening to xeriscaping are diverse, such as reduced water consumption, improved biodiversity, protection of soil health, reduced use of chemicals, and promoting resilience to climate change, but also lower maintenance costs [12][13][14][15].…”

Use of Multivariate Analysis in Screening for Drought Tolerance in Ornamental Asteraceae Species

“…On the other hand, global warming represents a challenge for adapting ornamental horticulture to the new climatic conditions [11,12], and screening for cultivars that are more drought-tolerant, i.e., demanding a lower water input or being better adapted to extreme weather conditions, is receiving increased interest [13,14]. An essential source for xero-gardening and xero-landscaping is also represented by naturally drought-tolerant native species [15,16].…”