Eden Project offers ‘Ray of Hope’ blooms to support Seychelles conservation

What if buying a houseplant could help protect an entire island’s wildlife?

That is the idea behind a plant going on sale at the Eden Project next month, where a small pink bloom carries a story stretching from a Cornish biome all the way to the Seychelles.

To mark its 25th anniversary, the Eden Project, a charity dedicated to inspiring people to connect with nature, has relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry.

A plant with a 20 year history

The Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’ was bred back in 2003 inside Eden’s Rainforest Biome. It was part of a “buy a plant and save the parents” collaboration between the Eden Project and the Seychelles government, set up to protect the plant’s parent, Impatiens gordonii, along with other endangered endemic plants from the islands at risk of extinction.

Impatiens are known culturally as symbols of gentleness, patience and friendship. The name comes from the Latin for “impatient,” a nod to the seed pods that burst open when touched.

The plant is already on display in planters throughout the Visitor Centre and growing in the Rainforest Biome. It goes on sale from June 8th, with profits from every sale heading straight to conservation projects in the Seychelles.

For anyone tempted to take one home, it brings long lasting colour to bright spots indoors that are out of direct sunlight, and can be moved outside to brighten sheltered areas in the warmer months. It creates lush groundcover that supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, and helps cut down weed growth. Its pale pink flowers appear in the UK from spring to autumn and symbolise hope and resilience around the world.

Where the money goes

Of every Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’ bought at Eden’s onsite shop and online store (RRP £10), 40% of profits will go directly to conservation work overseen by the Ministry of the Environment of the Seychelles.

Florence Mansbridge, horticulture manager, said: “For 25 years, Eden has showcased the beauty and biodiversity of small islands in its Rainforest Biome, with species from the Seychelles featuring prominently. Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’ continues this legacy, giving visitors a tangible way to contribute to international conservation efforts while enjoying a long-flowering, beautiful plant in their own homes.

“We hope to highlight the critical importance of plant conservation on small islands, whilst making a lasting positive impact on nature recovery projects in the Seychelles.”

The world’s largest seed is coming too

There is more to come later this year. The Eden Project will welcome a delivery of coco de mer seeds (Lodoicea maldivica), the world’s largest seed, famous for its extraordinary shape and the myths surrounding it, from the Seychelles.

Eden’s horticulturists will try to germinate them in the Rainforest Biome, building on earlier success with a specimen received and planted in 2003, which has recently grown its first mature leaf. There are also plans to grow the plant for the new Eden Project Morecambe, and to distribute them to botanic gardens across the UK. The partnership will again help safeguard one of the natural world’s most iconic and endangered species beyond its native Seychelles shores.

Florence added: “Our partnership with the Seychelles helps to tell a vital story about the fragility of island biodiversity and the role we can all play in supporting nature recovery.”