Scientific discovery in rare plant chemistry

One of the rare Penstemon species tested

“It might be used for medicines some day” is an often-cited justification for protecting imperiled plant species when scientists are pressed to justify our work to protect species that have no perceived “use.”  And yet, it appears that no one has specifically looked at the likelihood that this is true… until now.  Dr. Don Hazlet, Adjunct Researcher with Denver Botanic Gardens and ethnobotanist, will be submitting a report to the Colorado Natural Areas Program this week of the results of his studies on the biochemistry of 80 of Colorado’s rarest plants.  
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