Marimurtra Botanical Garden publishes Index Seminum 2023-2024 with 185 botanical taxa

The Index Seminum is a catalog that contains the available seeds. The one in Marimurtra, this year has 185 botanical taxa included in 53 families. As a novelty, this year highlights the presence of 32 traditional horticultural varieties (tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins…), most of them from Catalonia, the result of the research, conservation and dissemination objectives of the Botanical Garden.

This catalog is a network of connections between botanical gardens around the world, where research centers and universities are also linked. The objective of Index Seminum is to facilitate the free exchange of seeds between these centers to facilitate the conservation and study of plant species.
During 2023, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden published the Index Seminum with 175 taxa and 60 families, having made 33 shipments to 21 botanical gardens or research centers in 16 different countries, adding up a total of 290 batches of seeds.

Requests can be made through the form that can be found on the website https://marimurtra.cat/index-seminum/, as well as consulting all the taxa and details of the Index Seminum del Jardín. Applications are accepted until April 30, 2024.

The Carl Faust Foundation was created in 1951 by the creator of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, Carl Faust, with the aim of continuing his work. Among its founding objectives are “…the protection and promotion of Mediterranean biology studies, especially in botany […] seeking cooperation and international relations for the benefit, all of this, of scientific research and dissemination .. .”.

2023 report on the monitoring of birds in the Marimurtra Botanical Garden

The report made by the environmental consultant Pere Alzina i Bilbeny in 2023 on the ornithological monitoring in the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, in Blanes, presents detailed data on the species of birds that inhabit or visit this natural space. With an area of 16 hectares and a location between the Mediterranean Sea, forests and urban areas, the botanical garden is home to a rich variety of birds.

During the four visits carried out throughout the year 2023, a total of 35 species of birds were identified, with a special emphasis on nesting species. Several categories of nesting probability have been recorded, ranging from possible to certain, including species such as the Great-breasted Tern, the Black-breasted Tern and the Heron.

The document highlights the presence of 30 species that show signs of reproduction, among which the blue tern, the tudon and the crayfish stand out. The importance of protecting the environment and the species present is highlighted, with the aim of maintaining biological diversity.

In addition, Pere underlines Marimurtra’s involvement in environmentally sustainable practices, such as the cessation of the use of biocides and chemical fertilizers, and actions to promote ornithological fauna and their habitats.

This report contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics and richness of the ancestral fauna of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, highlighting its importance as a space for conservation and scientific research in the context of international botanical gardens.

Download here the complete report on bird monitoring in the Marimurtra Botanical Garden 2023 by Pere Alzina.

The Marimurtra Botanical Garden has carried out the fertilization of the Encephalartos natalensis

On Sunday, December 14th, there was an exceptional event in Marimurtra: the fertilization of the two female cones of Encephalartos natalensis. The history of cicadas goes back more than 200 million years, they are prehistoric plants and in fact, they coexisted with dinosaurs. Specifically, the species Encephalartos natalensis belongs to the Zamiaceae family and forms a fundamental part of the garden’s botanical collection. The vast majority of leafhoppers are seriously threatened in their natural habitats, adding a crucial component to the importance of this event, for its significance in terms of plant conservation.

The specimen of Encephalartos natalensis from Marimurtra is female and has produced two cones, the reproductive structures of these prehistoric gymnosperms. One of the cones has been fertilized with Encephalartos longifolius pollen, thanks to the collaboration of cicada expert Simon Lavaud from France. Simultaneously, the other cone has been fertilized with pollen from Encephalartos horridus, a species belonging to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden.
The pollination technique, carried out dry without the use of water, closely emulates natural conditions. Using an air bulb, the precise introduction of pollen into the cones has been achieved, a practice that mimics how this fertilization would happen in the wild, thanks to the role of insects.

The prospect of developing two hybrids from this fertilization is exciting, although it will take almost a year and a half to determine the success of this initiative. The scales of the cones close after allowing pollination, protecting the ovules inside as they mature into seeds. In approximately 6 months, they will have done so and will be collected. Another six to eight months of waiting will still be required before they can be sown and their viability checked, anticipating a promising spring of 2025 to know the fate of these unique hybrids.

The Nomad Blackboards Project, Marimurtra’s mobile blackboards

Welcome to “The Nomad Blackboards Project” at the Marimurtra Botanical Garden—an innovative initiative aimed at highlighting specific aspects of the Garden through the lens of science. This scientific outreach project allows for the dissemination of certain species, botanical concepts, notable specimens, or prominent locations within Marimurtra in an educational manner, using a flexible format.

“The Nomad Blackboards Project” consists of placing boards with significant content along the Garden, starting with a few boards and the plan to increase their number over time. We seek to integrate scientific knowledge with the natural beauty that surrounds us, without excessively altering the visual aspect of the Garden, offering a captivating experience for visitors.

The specific objectives of the project are to facilitate scientific education, highlight the importance of biodiversity, foster curiosity, and forge meaningful connections between visitors and the natural world. This initiative uses a flexible system that allows for periodic updates and content renewal, ensuring that the project remains dynamic, fresh, and relevant over time.

Each blackboard features a QR code—an interactive gateway to additional online information. By scanning the QR code, you’ll access supplemental knowledge, deepening your understanding of the scientific marvels and natural beauty that surround you.

Explore our online content to find not only more information but also, in some cases, scientific studies conducted on the highlighted topics. Join us on this scientific exploration as we use blackboards to present valuable information, share research findings, and create connections between the enchanting world of the Botanical Garden and the fascinating realms of science.

This project has been undertaken in collaboration with European volunteers, enriching the educational experience not only for our visitors but also for the volunteers themselves. Their dedication and contribution have played a vital role in bringing this project to life, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these volunteers, whose involvement has added a layer of depth and diversity to “The Nomad Blackboard Project.”

Science Week 2023 at the Marimurtra Botanical Garden

In November 2023, Science Week promoted by the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI) was celebrated. Once again, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden joined in the celebration of science week with different events.

Science Week is aimed at all audiences and has as its fundamental objectives to bring science and technology closer to citizens and to encourage scientific vocations among the youngest.

In this edition, the Generalitat de Catalunya promoted the commemoration of Joan Oró Year, on the occasion of the centenary of the birth of the biochemist Joan Oró i Florensa. As part of this initiative, the figure and scientific career of this famous researcher from Lleida, an international reference in the study of the origin of life, will become the guiding thread of Science Week.

The Jardí Botànic Marimurtra made a proposal where experts and fans made their knowledge and experience of science and botany available to the public in three different days.

Download the poster

Thursday, November 16th

The first day of the week consisted of a technical morning by Mariano Sánchez, curator and head of the gardening and arboriculture unit of the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid – CSIC and co-director of the Urban Arboriculture Master at the Complutense University of Madrid . The day was divided into a theoretical part, where Mariano explained his learnings throughout his professional experience, as well as different botanical concepts in relation to the world of arboriculture.

Saturday November 18th

Marimurtra + scientific is a day to highlight some of the research, research and dissemination work carried out by different students, volunteers and collaborators at the Marimurtra Botanical Garden. Carles Burguera, responsible for the herbarium and germplasm bank of Marimurtra, participated in the first part of micro-presentations; Mia and Louisa, the two German volunteers of the European Solidarity Corps program; Anna Sans, head of the scientific dissemination department of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden and Josep Borrell, general director of the Carl Faust Foundation.
The second part consisted of a conference on biodiversity by Anna Sans, followed by ‘Birds of Marimurtra’ by expert ornithologist and environmental consultant Pere Alzina, responsible for the botanical bird inventory.

Sunday November 19

This edition of Science Week concluded with the guided tour ‘The Biodiversity of Marimurtra’, a visit that emphasizes the biodiversity that exists in Marimurtra and the actions carried out to promote it through management ecological and sustainable nature of the Garden, as well as the promotion of relationships between the plants and the auxiliary fauna that live there.

4th Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week

Marimurtra attended the 4th Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week in the Botanical Garden of Valencia. It is a congress intended to share and exchange knowledge with other organizations, entities and projects that work on the conservation and increase of the biodiversity of Mediterranean climate plants.

The congress program addressed topics such as the conservation of flora in Mediterranean habitats, the preservation of the seed bank and germplasm of species for future use, the reintegration of species in situ and ex situ, the analysis and actions in relation to invasive species for habitat restoration, the international cooperation network for the conservation of Mediterranean flora and tools for education, dissemination and communication of plant conservation.

Entities from different countries have participated in the congress, such as Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Italy, Armenia, Lebanon, Serbia, Cape Verde, Greece, among others.

Pere Fraga, botanical conservator of Marimurtra, presented a micro-conference on the conservation of Menorcan flora and a poster on ‘Threatened coastal plant species of Catalonia: improving knowledge and ex situ conservation’ (see the poster here), while Anna Sans , scientific popularizer of Marimurtra, presented a poster on ‘A botanical garden and a wide variety of audiences, a commitment to the public and the promotion of scientific vocations. The case of the school public’ (see the poster here).

The presence of Marimurtra in these congresses is of great importance, as it opens the doors to international cooperation, one of the fundamental objectives of the Carl Faust Foundation, and brings new approaches to the task of conserving the biodiversity of species. In addition, it allows to publicize the conservation, research and dissemination work carried out by the Marimurtra Botanical Garden.

During the congress, a day was held to discuss the different strategies aimed at disseminating scientific research to citizens and making them participate in the conservation of plant biodiversity, as well as focusing on their own values or creating them new in relation to this current.

The Forestry Research and Experimentation Center (CIEF) and the Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia are mainly responsible for the organization of this 4th edition, in close collaboration with some units of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Fund for the Critical Ecosystem Association (CEPF).

Science Week 2021 in Marimurtra

Over the last two weekends, there have been a lot of science-related activities at the Marimurtra Botanical Garden.

Setmana de la Ciència 2021 | Jardí Botànic Marimurtra

On November 12 and 13 we had the presence of the illustrious botanist Francis Hallé who gave two lectures (“The intelligence of plants” and “The architecture of trees”) and a practical drawing workshop based in the models of arboreal architecture that he himself has defined over more than 50 years of profession.

Its presence in Marimurtra responds, precisely, to the acts of homage to the half century of dedication to botany that Sello Arboleda wants to put in value through the visit to different points of botanical interest, the first of which has been the Garden Marimurtra Botanist.

A new edition of ‘Marimurtra + Científic’ was held on November 20, a one-morning activity in which some of the most important scientific activities of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden are presented. This year has focused on volunteer programs, plant extracts, herbarium, seed bank and the Mosquito Alert project. About twenty people attended this activity which combined the exhibition parts with the practices. In other words, in addition to learning about the different initiatives, it was also possible to make a small herbarium, practice the choice of seeds and get to know first hand the spaces where the natural extracts that make up the Marimurtra Botanical Garden are made.
Finally, on November 21, there was a free guided tour on scientific topics entitled ‘The biodiversity of Marimurtra’. This visit, lasting more than an hour, was designed to provide information on the main aspects of environmental management in Marimurtra. The more than 20 participants who were part of it were able to get to know first hand the programs for the production of plant extracts, the production of compost and natural fertilizer, the inventories of birds and insects, etc.

Once again, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden has taken part in Science Week, offering its visitors the opportunity to enjoy an enriching, scientific and fun experience.

  • Setmana de la Ciència | Jardí Botànic Marimurtra
    Francis Hallé a Marimurtra

Drawing contest ‘My school in Marimurtra’

The Carl Faust Foundation is opening a drawing competition for all students who visit the Botanical Garden as a guided tour or school activity (Check the Education Program) from October 15, 2021 until June 10, 2022 The competition is entitled ‘My school in Marimurtra’

Every year, more than 3,500 students from all over Catalonia visit the Botanical Garden, a unique outdoor place with more than 4,000 plant species to learn and enjoy the nature around us.

A new school year has recently begun and in Marimurtra we are also starting the 1st Drawing Contest “My school in Marimurtra”, awarding all participants with a diploma, the winning student with a “Fan Marimurtra” and free tickets by his classmates.

Check out the contest rules here.

School activities for the 2021-22 academic year

The Carl Faust Foundation bases its work on three main pillars: the conservation of plant species, scientific research in the field of Botany and the dissemination of its plant heritage. In the field of botanical dissemination, the educational work aims to let the public know about the natural and scientific heritage of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, specifically to visitors and students from both national and international schools.

The Marimurtra Botanical Garden presents its new catalog of visits, guided activities and educational resources for the 2021-22 academic year.
In this catalog you will find resources for all levels of education, from Primary School to College, to discover the environment, solve challenges and encourage curiosity about the plant world, science and cultural heritage of Marimurtra Botanical Garden.

The program contains guided tours of different types and specific activities for each educational stage that take place in Marimurtra. It also contains activities that can be held at the school, such as the virtual visit “Virtual Marimurtra at School” (https://bit.ly/marimurtra-virtual) and the “Travelling Activity; the secrets of the seeds ”, led by Marimurtra’s guides in the classroom.

As a novelty, we present “Marimurtra and the Sea”, an activity that aims to raise awareness of the plant world in the terrestrial and marine environment, and which consists of a guided tour of the Botanical Garden and a guided snorkeling trip in Cala Sant Francesc.

On the other hand, this year, booking educational activities at the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is easier than ever! As a novelty, you can request your reservation from the new online form apart from the usual channels (email escoles @ marimurtra.cat and telephone 972 33 08 26).

You can find all the information regarding the possibilities and educational programs of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden on our website www.marimurtra.cat/escoles

  • Activitats Escola | Jardí Botànic Marimurtra

Info:

Botanical gardens, as museums and science centers, have the basic function of reaching both the general public and experts, and it is crucial that they reach students in schools. The museographic strategy includes teaching and dissemination actions, which are defined from the contents generated by botanical research, conservation and, in the case of Marimurtra, its collection of more than 4000 plant species.

Marimurtra returns to the sea to raise awareness of botanical biodiversity with the Botanical Snorkel

Marimurtra, un Jardí Botànic que des del seu inici ha estat connectat amb el mar, torna a apostar un any més per l’snorkel botànic, una activitat que ofereix als seus visitants una experiència que va més enllà de descobrir les més de 3500 espècies vegetals que es troben a l’interior del Jardí.
Amb l’snorkel botànic, els participants s’endinsen al meravellós món submarí on descobreixen que la biodiversitat vegetal no acaba als penya-segats i que la vida vegetal continua exuberant al medi marí.
En aquest indret de la Mediterrània, s’hi troben una gran quantitat d’espècies d’algues diferents, que constitueixen la base d’un ecosistema ric i divers que permeten que moltes altres espècies (tant animals com vegetals) tinguin unes condicions molt favorables per viure-hi. Tota aquesta biodiversitat forma un paisatge submarí ple de colors i vida, que es poden observar de la mà de guies d’snorkel experts en biologia marina. Amb l’Snrokel Botànic de Marimurtra es podran distingir les algues, classifica-les i entendre l’extraordinari valor que tenen per l’ecosistema.
Més informació sobre l’Snorkel Botànic a https://bit.ly/snorkel-botanic-marimurtra
  • Snorkel Botànic 2021 | Jardí Botànic Marimurtra