THE USE OF NATIVE ISRAELI FLORA FOR INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORNAMENTAL CROPS

Eastern Mediterranean countries including Israel and Turkey, has been the source of many commercial ornamental plants, especially geophytes.
Examples are anemones, ranunculus, cyclamen, hyacinth, Narcissus tazetta, Lilium candidum and several tulips.
These species were relatively easy to domesticate.
Our plant introduction project includes also several native plants, which have not yet been introduced into commercial cultivation.
The introduction projects include many research stages, commencing with the collection of the plants in their native habitat and concluded when the product is introduced commercially.
The research included propagation, flowering physiology, postharvest physiology studies and horticultural practices.
Several examples of recently introduced plants or in the process of introduction are presented.
Among them are geophytes: Oncocyclus irises, Uriginea maritima, Scilla hyacinthoides, Asphodelus ramosus and several Allium species; annuals and herbaceous perennials: Lupinus pilosus; Eremostachys laciniata and Helichrysum sanguineum

International Symposium on Sustainable Use of Plant Biodiversity to Promote New Opportunities for Horticultural Production Development

A.H. Halevy

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.598.6