Propagation and ex-situ conservation of Lomelosia minoana subsp. minoana and Scutellaria hirta - two ornamental and medicinal Cretan endemics (Greece)

Human needs and concomitant commercial trade to date trigger the demand of new ornamental plants natural medicinal products. The current study includes preliminary seed germination trials presents development effective vegetative propagation protocols for Lomelosia minoana subsp. (Dipsacaceae) Scutellaria hirta (Lamiaceae), both globally rare, local endemics Crete (Greece) with potential value. Based on material collected directly from wild, was succeeded (38%, T50: 10.74) only L. minoana. optimal indole-3-butyric acid concentrations rooting cuttings were 2000 mg L-1 (85%) 4000 S. (50%). Seasonal differences observed in respective rates studied taxa. detected are above standards allow possible application industry. Although rate (50%) adequate its ex situ conservation, it seems almost marginal future further investigation is needed. sustainable utilization these Cretan herein provides input ornamental-horticultural cosmetic-pharmaceutical industries. This shows how rare endemic wild plant species can be progressively domesticated introduced into cultivation systems order avoid depletion unique phytogenetic resources.