First experimental insights into the ex situ cultivation of Seseli Resinosum in vertical gardens

Abstract Vertical garden systems represent an innovative approach that simulates rocky habitats, which are often characterized by high species diversity and endemism. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the performance of two vertical garden systems as an ex situ conservation strategy to ensure the sustainability of Seseli resinosum, a local endemic species of Düzce Province. In the first phase of this four-stage study, S. resinosum was monitored in its natural ecosystem for one vegetation period, and relevant data were collected. In the second phase, the species was collected and cultivated under controlled conditions. During the third and fourth phases, individuals were transplanted into two different vertical garden modules, where subsequent monitoring was conducted. Ecological trait analyses revealed that S. resinosum exhibits strong similarities with rocky-habitat species such as Hypericum perforatum, Silene italica, and Scabiosa columbaria, and Origanum vulgare. The results demonstrated that felt-based systems are unsuitable for the ex situ conservation of S. resinosum due to insufficient moisture retention and thermal buffering. In contrast, pot-based vertical garden systems supported successful vegetative and reproductive development. These findings indicate that modular pot-based vertical systems should be preferred over felt-based designs for the ex situ conservation of endemic drought-tolerant species under comparable changing climatic conditions.