Rosa phoenicia - a rose at risk

'The Rosa phoenicia', writes Nursery Propagation intern Bella, 'is one of around 400 plant species monitored in Israel as part of a long-term conservation project focused on endangered wild plants.

This species is on the red list – with a high risk of extinction – mainly due to severe habitat loss along natural water sources. Streams have been diverted and overused, shrinking the ecosystems these plants depend on.

The Rosa phoenicia is native to the Middle East and still grows in places like Lebanon, Syria, northern Iraq – and here, in Ramot Menashe, where we collected seeds.

The seeds were carefully treated in the JBG's nursery by Dvora Beilin, undergoing a process of soaking, sowing, and cold treatment. After about six weeks, the seeds germinated. The seedlings have since been transplanted into larger containers, giving them room to grow stronger before being moved to the garden. We’re now waiting for its flowering season, from May to August.'

This is me, happy and hopeful to see them grow.