Post by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

BIG NEWS: We've identified over 10,000 flowering plants as EDGE species 🌿 ...but what's an EDGE species? EDGE stands for Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered, and the programme provides a way of measuring how genetically unique a particular species is, and how at risk it is of extinction. Working with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) our new research has identified nearly 10,000 flowering plant species as EDGE species. 🌸 From the mighty titan arum to tiny waterlilies small enough to grow in a teacup, every EDGE species matters. Losing them could mean losing millions of years of evolutionary history - and even future discoveries that could benefit people and planet. P.S. Scroll through to the end for a pop quiz 👀