Progeny and provenance variation in germination performance and ex‑situ conservation potential of the endemic Talbotiella gentii in Ghana

• Germination percentage differ among Talbotiella gentii progenies in Ghana • Talbotiella gentii seeds are sensitive to desiccation • The seeds have a critical moisture threshold of around 30% • T. gentii seedlings grows well ex situ in both moist and dry forests • The species is suitable for restoration planting and ex situ field conservation Talbotiella gentii, an endemic and critically endangered species in Ghana remains threatened by wildfires, charcoal exploitation, and seed abortion, requiring both in situ and ex situ conservation. However, inadequate knowledge on factors influencing germination and seedling survival and growth outside its natural habitat constrains such efforts. We investigated variation in germination among progenies and provenances of Talbotiella gentii , and assessed ex-situ field establishment of the species. We examined the relationship between germination percentage and seed moisture content using progenies from Sapawsu and Bandai Hills provenances. We monitored growth and survival of 2312 seedlings of nine progenies from Bandai Hills and Yongwa provenances in a transplant experiment in a dry and a moist forest. Specifically, we addressed three questions; (1) How does germination vary among different progenies and provenances? (2) How does seed moisture content influence germination? and (3) What are the survival and growth patterns outside the species’ natural habitat? Germination varied both between and within provenances, with some progenies achieving 100% and others failing completely. Progenies from Sapawsu generally outperformed those from Bandai Hills Forest Reserves. Seed moisture positively correlated with germination and explained 55% of the variation, with a critical moisture threshold of 30% resulting in ≥78% germination. Seedlings survival from Bandai Hills and Yongwa Forest Reserves provenances was higher in the dry forest, however, growth was higher in the moist forest. Our findings highlight the importance of seed moisture in germination and demonstrate a high ex situ conservation potential of Talbotiella gentii , supporting its integration in restoration initiatives.