Tehran - Researchers in Iran have launched a conservation program to revive the rare Irish bellflower (Moluccella laevis), a species native to Turkey, Syria, and Afghanistan.

 

Scientists at the Zarabad Medicinal Plants Research Station -  affiliated with the Qazvin Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center - located surviving plants in western Alamut and collected their seeds. The seeds are now being cultivated at the station, with the propagated plants to be reintroduced into their natural habitat.

 

"The goal is to protect biodiversity and preserve the country's genetic resources of medicinal plants," said Ghasem Gharehgozlou, head of the research station.