The Plant Messiah: Carlos Magdalena’s Adventures in Botanical Conservation

The Adventurous Journey of Carlos Magdalena: The Plant Messiah

In the vast landscapes of Australia, Carlos Magdalena embarked on thrilling plant hunting expeditions, navigating the skies by helicopter and venturing into crocodile-infested waters just to witness the enchanting bloom of a rare water lily. His adventures took him to the breathtaking cliffs of Mauritius, where he deftly reached for a plant specimen that clung precariously to the edge. Just last month, in the heart of Colombia, he found himself leaping from plank to plank in the darkness of the early morning, at 4 a.m., as he searched for elusive lilies in a tributary of the treacherous Orinoco River, renowned for its piranha inhabitants.

“It’s not that I am particularly daring,” Carlos humbly remarked, reflecting on his perilous escapades. “These situations just seem to arise naturally, and they’re not quite as heroic as they may sound. Sometimes it feels more like a scene from a Peter Sellers film than an Indiana Jones adventure.”

As a research horticulturalist at the esteemed Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, Mr. Magdalena’s primary role involves nurturing tropical plants. However, he has gained the affectionate title of “the plant messiah,” a moniker bestowed upon him by a Spanish newspaper in 2010 due to his dedicated efforts in rescuing various plant species teetering on the brink of extinction. This commendable work has not only earned him profound respect within the botanical community but has also elevated him to a celebrity status in the horticultural realm.

His fame reached new heights when the legendary David Attenborough, a revered figure in nature documentaries, echoed the “plant messiah” label during the 2012 premiere of one of his films. This documentary featured a captivating scene showcasing Mr. Magdalena as he propagated the delicate pygmy lily, further amplifying his influence and recognition.

Initially, the attention from such a venerated figure as Mr. Attenborough left Mr. Magdalena feeling somewhat overwhelmed. “Imagine what it feels like when God himself refers to you as the messiah,” he remarked thoughtfully, standing outside one of the elegant greenhouses at Kew Gardens.

It is fitting that the documentary spotlighted Mr. Magdalena’s work with lilies, as these plants hold a special place in his heart. They were the very first specimens he cultivated as a young boy of just eight years old, nurtured on his family’s finca—a cherished piece of land nestled in the picturesque Asturias region of northern Spain.