Within Brazil, the fruits of several other species of Dimorphandra are used for the production of a medicine to treat circulatory diseases. Although Dimorphandra wilsonii has never been used in this way due to its rarity, if it could be propagated in sufficient numbers it could become economically valuable for the medicinal trade. In partnership with a range of organisations and farmers, the botanic garden of the Fundação Zoobotanica de Belo Horizonte and GTC are working to protect this species and develop ex situ collections.
The aims of this project are to; protect and monitor the remaining wild populations of Dimorphandra wilsonii, locate new individuals, cultivate the species in ex situ collections to support reintroduction work, conduct further scientific research into the species and its habitat and to raise local awareness about the species and the threats to it.
As a result of this project, a new law was created in Minas Gerais State specifically for the protection of Dimorphandra wilsonii, helping secure the future of this species.
Work continues at Fundação Zoobotanica de Belo Horizonte to support this species. Project progress and findings will be promoted through the GTC website.
Educational activity to raise awareness of Dimorphandra wilsonii