Article

The botanic gardens of the Mediterranean have played an important role in the study of the plant life of the region through exploration, taxonomic and ecological studies, introduction of new material and more recently in the conservation of germplasm in genebanks, living collections and conservation, recovery and reintroduction of threatened species. Many gardens still house important germplasm of early introductions such as citrus fruits. The region houses a large number of botanic gardens but their distribution and range of facilities is very uneven and proposals are made for actions to remedy these problems.