In vitro propagation of Trillium species

Abstract

For decades, trilliums (Liliaceae) have been collected from the wild for their beauty and medicinal properties. As a potential way to help alleviate the pressure from collecting and to advance the science of micropropagation, we examined past methods of in vitro propagation of Trillium and conducted our own preliminary experiments. We report our observations on the establishment of sterile cultures of Trillium persistens Duncan and T. reliquum J.D. Freeman along with further observations on root formation, cleaning, and media composition. We promote the use of in vitro techniques in the propagation of trilliums and recommend their application to the conservation of species that are threatened by collecting or habitat loss.