Critically endangered Hibiscus trionum blooms in Olomouc

A mass blooming of the critically endangered Hibiscus trionum has been documented on experimental plots at Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Experts believe the unusual abundance of this rare plant is a result of the recent warm and dry summer, which provided ideal conditions for its growth.

This occurrence is particularly significant as it is one of the northernmost known locations for this species in Moravia. While the plant is a botanical rarity, its presence on agricultural research plots poses a challenge. Researchers from the National Centre for Agricultural and Food Research (CARC) noted that the plant must be removed to protect vegetable genetic resources, as it can act as an intermediate host for the cucumber mosaic virus.

To preserve the scientific value of the event, botanists from the Faculty of Science are collecting specimens for herbarium collections. These samples will serve as documentation of the species' presence and support future research.