Plants are incredibly diverse, and so are botanists! In its mission to spread fascinating stories about the plant world, Botany One also introduces you to the scientists behind these great stories.
Today, we have Dr Carla Maldonado, a Bolivian botanist passionate about plant conservation, seed banking, and biodiversity. Maldonado’s journey in botany began at the National Herbarium of Bolivia, where she started as a student, grew professionally, and eventually became its director for seven years. Her research initially focused on taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecology, but over time, she realized that all this knowledge serves a greater purpose: conservation. Today, she leads projects to protect endangered species such as Cinchona anderssonii, Puya raimondii, and Coussapoa david-smithii, collaborating with national and international institutions to integrate botany with other disciplines. Since 2011, Maldonado has been appointed as a professor at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), training future botanists and conservationists. Her postgraduate studies in Denmark broadened her perspective and reinforced her belief that knowledge must be shared. In recent years, she has increasingly focused on community engagement, ensuring that conservation is not just an academic pursuit but a movement that empowers people and strengthens their connection with nature.
What made you become interested in plants?
My love for botany wasn’t immediate. When I began studying biology, I was fascinated by life itself but unsure where to focus. However, as I delved deeper into my studies, I became captivated by plants—not just because of their diversity and ability to thrive in extreme environments but because of their intricate relationships with other organisms.
Bolivia is a land of contrasts, from lush rainforests to arid highlands, and I was amazed to discover that even in places where life seems nearly impossible, plants always find a way to exist. Every forest, shrubland, and grassland hides an entire world waiting to be explored.
Additionally, I was fortunate to meet mentors, colleagues, and communities who shared their passion for plants with me. Institutions such as UMSA, the University of Copenhagen, Missouri Botanical Garden, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew also played a crucial role in my growth, reinforcing my belief that botany is not just about memorizing species—it’s about understanding life at its core.
What motivated you to pursue your current area of research?
I initially focused on taxonomy, studying plant evolution. For my PhD, I researched Cinchona (Rubiaceae), which is famous for its medicinal properties. I was fascinated by how these plants connect to their ecology, chemical compounds, and, most importantly, the human communities that have used them for centuries. This intersection between scientific knowledge and traditional wisdom reshaped my perspective on botany. I realized that local knowledge is just as valuable as scientific research and that integrating both is crucial for conservation. While many species are well-documented, countless others remain undiscovered—some may disappear before we even have the chance to study them.
Deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten entire ecosystems, reinforcing my commitment to in situ and ex situ conservation. Thanks to the support of mentors and institutions worldwide, I came to see botany not just as a scientific discipline but as a deep and vital connection between plants and human survival.
What is your favourite part of your work related to plants?
What I love most about botany is its incredible diversity of experiences. I enjoy fieldwork—hiking through forests, discovering species, and observing plants in their natural habitats. There’s a thrill in uncovering something new and understanding how plants interact with their ecosystems. I also appreciate herbarium and laboratory work, where samples reveal hidden details crucial for conservation.
But above all, what fuels my passion the most is sharing knowledge. Whether with students, colleagues, or local communities, I love witnessing the moment when a simple conversation changes someone’s perspective on plants. People often take them for granted, but when they understand their value, they begin to care for them.
For me, conservation isn’t just about preserving species—it’s about inspiring others to see plants not just as a backdrop but as essential, dynamic beings that shape our world. That, to me, is the true essence of conservation.
Are any specific plants or species that have intrigued or inspired your research? If so, what are they and why?
Yes, and its name is “quina”. These plants of the genus Cinchona captivated me—not only for their medicinal value and historical significance but also because they represent the intricate link between science, human health, and conservation. Studying Cinchona revealed how plants shape societies, from medicine to culture, and deepened my appreciation for their role in our lives.
Over time, my focus expanded, and one of my key projects now is conserving Puya raimondii, a giant bromeliad endemic to the Andes that is critically endangered. This plant is extraordinary—it can take up to a century to bloom, flowers only once, and then dies. It is a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and fragility, all at once.
Protecting Puya raimondii has been both a tremendous challenge and a privilege. It reminds me why conservation matters—not just for biodiversity but for maintaining the ecological and cultural heritage that plants represent.
Could you share an experience or anecdote from your work that has marked your career and reaffirmed your fascination with plants?
My first field expedition to the Amazon was unforgettable. Born at 3,600 meters above sea level, I was accustomed to cold weather, so facing the intense heat, humidity, and relentless insects of the rainforest was a true challenge.
I remember that my friend and I were so terrified of the murky, sediment-filled rivers that we avoided bathing for days. But after long, sweaty days of fieldwork under the sun, there was no escape—we could no longer stand ourselves, and we had no choice but to dive in.
That experience taught me that fieldwork isn’t just about collecting plants—it’s about adaptation, resilience, and embracing the unknown. Over the years, I have found my comfort zone in montane forests rather than the lowlands, but that first trip remains a defining moment, reminding me that growth happens when we push beyond our limits.
What advice would you give young scientists considering a career in plant biology?
Dream big and work with passion. Science is not an easy path, but it is incredibly rewarding. There will be challenges, but if you truly love what you do, you will find a way to overcome them.
To young scientists, I say: plant biology has space for everyone. Conservation and botany need diverse voices, perspectives, and talents. Some may find their passion in fieldwork, others in the lab, and others in working with communities. Every contribution is valuable.
Most importantly, don’t choose a career based on trends or expectations—choose what excites you. Passion and perseverance will take you further than anything else. And remember, science is not just about knowledge—it’s about sharing it and making a difference.
What do people usually get wrong about plants?
Many people see plants as just a green backdrop in nature, without realizing that they are the foundation of life. They provide us with food, medicine, shelter, and oxygen—yet we often overlook them.
Another misconception is that working with plants is easy, as if botany is simply walking through forests picking flowers. In reality, fieldwork can be physically demanding, requiring endurance, patience, and technical skills. Collecting tree specimens, for example, involves climbing, long hikes, and extreme weather conditions.
But the biggest misunderstanding is not recognizing the immense value of plants. They regulate our climate, sustain ecosystems, and support human life in ways we rarely consider. Once you start understanding them, you never look at the world the same way again.
Carlos A. Ordóñez-Parra
Carlos (he/him) is a Colombian seed ecologist currently doing his PhD at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and working as a Science Editor at Botany One and a Communications Officer at the International Society for Seed Science. You can follow him on BlueSky at @caordonezparra.
The post Carla Maldonado: Understanding Life at its Core. appeared first on Botany One.
