Sabah, Malaysia, has launched a groundbreaking one-hectare facility, recognized as the world's first Nickel Botanical Garden. Situated at the Monggis Ranau Substation near Kota Kinabalu, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park, this unique garden is dedicated to the study and preservation of hyperaccumulator plants. These are plant species known for their remarkable ability to absorb and concentrate nickel directly from the soil.
The garden showcases 12 rare nickel-accumulating plant species, including various Phyllanthus and Glochidion varieties, as well as Rinorea species. These plants exhibit hyperaccumulation, a natural capacity to absorb metallic elements, which has significant implications for environmental management, particularly in regions with nickel-rich soils. Globally, most nickel hyperaccumulator plants are found in tropical ultramafic soils, with the Phyllanthus genus being the most taxonomically represented.
Research indicates that certain Phyllanthus species, such as Phyllanthus balgooyi from Sabah, can accumulate over 16% nickel in their phloem sap. Additionally, Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi can achieve foliar concentrations of up to 3.5% nickel, placing them among the highest recorded in plant tissues. These findings underscore the sophisticated natural mechanisms these plants utilize to manage high metal concentrations.
Officially designated as an arboretum in 2014, the garden serves a crucial role in scientific research, conservation, and education, aiming to foster public appreciation for botanical diversity. One notable species, Xylosma luzonensis, is being recognized for its potential in landscaping and controlling soil erosion, especially in ultramafic soil environments. While not currently classified as endangered, conservation efforts are actively in progress to protect this species.
The presence of nickel in these plants was visually demonstrated at the Borneo Flora Festival in Labuan. Attendees, including Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, observed the leaves of Xylosma luzonensis turn pink upon contact with specialized paper, a clear visual confirmation of their high nickel content. This initiative highlights the garden's dedication to public engagement and raising awareness about these extraordinary botanical specimens.
The concept of hyperaccumulation is a significant area within botanical science, with approximately 450 species worldwide known to possess this trait out of an estimated 300,000 vascular plant species. The Nickel Botanical Garden in Sabah is making substantial contributions to this field, with Sabah itself emerging as a global hotspot for nickel hyperaccumulator plants, boasting 28 native species. Research into hyperaccumulators offers promise for sustainable biotechnologies such as phytoremediation, which uses plants to clean up contaminated soil, and phytomining, the extraction of valuable metals from plants grown on metal-rich sites. The garden's work not only advances scientific understanding but also paves the way for innovative environmental solutions.