The research is being led by botanist Andrew Gdaniec, according to a press release from NPTVI.

Staff members from the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens (JRONBG) were scheduled to participate in fieldwork on Anegada, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and the sister islands.

Regional study of cacti species

This research is part of a larger regional study within the Caribbean to better understand the evolutionary history of cacti species.

Activities will include seed collections for seed banking locally and at the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens; training will also be provided to NPTVI staff on the propagation of cacti species.

“This study will assist NPTVI by building local capacity at the JRONBG so that cacti species can be conserved locally, it also highlights the regional importance of the Virgin Island’s cacti species which can guide NPTVI’s conservation strategy,” NPTVI stated.