Provenance
/PROV-eh-nunss/🦋 Ecology●●● Advanced
Also known as: seed source, origin, genetic origin
The specific geographic location from which a plant, seed lot, or genetic lineage originates. Provenance is critically important in forestry, restoration ecology, and native plant gardening because plants from different provenances may vary in hardiness, growth rate, disease resistance, and phenology even within the same species. Using local-provenance plant material in ecological restoration helps ensure adaptation to local conditions.
Etymology
French provenance (origin), from provenir (to come forth)
Example
“When planting native trees for restoration, always source local-provenance stock to ensure adaptation to regional climate conditions.”