A critically endangered Mulanje cedar tree has recently been successfully transported and planted on Tresco as part of an international conservation effort – with support from the innovative Air‑Pot container system.
The young cedar, native to Mount Mulanje in Malawi and declared commercially extinct in 2018, was grown as part of Forestry England’s ex situ conservation programme at Bedgebury National Pinetum.
Collections Manager at Bedgebury National Pinetum, Dan Luscombe says: “The Mulanje cedar represents a remarkable and tragic example of how over-exploitation can push a species to the brink. The trees being planted originate from preserved seed and represent an important effort to safeguard living genetic material for the future.”
The tree was flown to Tresco in the spring before being planted by Dan and the island’s garden team as part of wider regeneration work following storm damage.
Tresco’s Head of Estate, Alasdair Moore explains: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Tresco to work with Forestry England to help conserve a critically endangered tree, given the unique nature of our island’s plant collection. It’s also a joyful and positive moment for us all on Tresco to focus on planting trees in the wake of Storm Goretti and restoring our woodland.”
The Mulanje cedar, Widdringtonia whytei, has suffered decades of illegal logging and habitat loss, leaving no known mature seed‑producing trees remaining in the wild. New propagation efforts rely on preserved seed stocks, making every successfully grown tree vital to the species’ survival.
Georgie Single, Marketing & Sales Representative at Air-Pot in Edinburgh, says: “Our Air‑Pot containers played a key role in cultivating and safeguarding the tree prior to its journey and planting on the Isles of Scilly.”
The unique Air‑Pot design, which promotes strong root development through enhanced aeration and prevents root circling, provided an ideal environment for the young cedar during its early growth stages. The system also enabled safe transport, ensuring the plant arrived in optimum condition for planting.
Georgie adds: “Supporting the conservation of such an important and endangered species is something we’re proud of. The Mulanje cedar is not only ecologically significant, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of plant conservation globally.
“Our Air‑Pot system is designed to encourage healthy, resilient root systems, which is crucial when growing trees for conservation and relocation projects like this. Knowing the container helped nurture and protect this tree on its journey to Tresco is incredibly rewarding.”
Tresco’s mild maritime climate offers one of the few suitable environments in the UK for this frost‑sensitive species. If the planting is successful, it will help establish a living genetic backup population and raise awareness of global conservation challenges.
Air‑Pot containers are widely used in nurseries, research institutions and conservation projects for their adaptability and performance. The perforated walls improve oxygenation and drainage, while the modular design allows growers to tailor conditions to specific species – an essential feature when working with rare and difficult‑to‑cultivate plants.
This project highlights the importance of collaboration between horticultural innovation and conservation expertise, demonstrating how practical growing solutions can contribute to safeguarding some of the world’s most threatened species.
For further details visit www.air-pot.com/nursery/
