'Future survival of rare plants remains uncertain'

The future of some of the world's rarest plants remains uncertain after a heating system broke down in a special glasshouses where they were growing.

The treasured botanical collection, which is now located within Croxteth Hall's walled garden in Liverpool, dates back to 1802 and was founded by William Roscoe.

Stephen Lyus, who chairs Liverpool Botanical Trust, said he would have no idea of the impact on the plants - including the endangered green jade vine - until the spring.

Liverpool City Council said it was committed to the preservation and care of the historic plants and temporary heaters had been continually monitored.

The botanical collection has been on display in various locations since 1984.

Mr Roscoe became an expert in tropical plant species, collecting them from around the world including the Caribbean, India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and China.

His collection came into the ownership of The Corporation of Liverpool, now Liverpool City Council, in 1841.

But some of the plants have died in recent months after the heaters broke down in April.

"It's what's left of Liverpool's unbelievable botanical heritage," said Mr Lyus.

"Tropical plants aren't used to any cold, they die very easily.

"We have no idea the impact until I guess in the spring.

"Hopefully some plants will come back but for some we're going to have to start again.

"My fear, is it'll just decay, because these plants are not very forgiving."

Mr Lyus said the issues go well beyond its heating, raising concerns over rotting wood and cracked window panes in the glasshouses.

But he said they was some hope on the horizon following a £245,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to improve the Peach House and to develop an events programme.

"This should be a tourist destination, but we need millions and with the current budgets, it's not easy," he said.

The council said the heating system had since been fixed but adjustments were still being made.

"While we have responded quickly to this situation, more work is needed in the long-term to create a healthy, secure environment for our species of plants, including a full replacement of the heating system," the authority said.

"We are exploring long-term improvements to heating across all greenhouses."

Liverpool Botanical Trust has also been granted £5,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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