Cultivating beauty, conserving nature: the ornamental potential of campo rupestre flora

Abstract

We carried out expeditions in the campo rupestre, particularly in the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to identify plant species with ornamental potential. Although at first glance this approach may seem superficial in the face of threats such as mining and predatory tourism, the beauty of these species was used as a tool for conservation awareness and to help reduce the disparity in botanical literacy and biome awareness. We also believe in the sustainable use of these species as a viable alternative for the development of a new production chain focused on landscaping and floriculture. We adopted the concept of conservation gardening as a strategy to integrate conservation and ornamental use, including rare, endemic, and threatened species. We analyzed native species used in Brazilian landscaping and found a low representation of endemic species from open ecosystems such as the Cerrado and campo rupestre. In collaboration with landscape designers, we created an ornamental potential index by scoring reproductive and vegetative traits, generating a graph with isocline curves that synthesize ornamental potential regardless of species-specific characteristics. Based on previous research, we adapted seed germination protocols from laboratory to nursery conditions, using simple techniques such as seed flotation in water to remove empty seeds. We monitored the survival and growth of species under nursery conditions for a year and, based on our own data and a literature review, we clearly demonstrated that campo rupestre species can not only be cultivated but also perform well in traditional seedling nurseries, contradicting the common perception that they are difficult to manage outside their natural environment. We carried out socio-environmental actions with a local community, promoting training for seed collection, seedling production, and the recognition of the ornamental value of native species. We interviewed nursery producers to map the challenges and opportunities of this emerging activity aimed at commercial-scale production. Finally, we developed an interactive digital guide, in the form of a mobile app, with an identification key based on traits that are easily recognized by non-specialists, to facilitate species recognition and reduce the disparity in botanical and biome awareness, thus encouraging the appreciation of local flora.