Wildlife lovers who help to save a plot of undeveloped land in Southampton will also be ensuring the future of one of the rarest plants on the Island, according to former Premier David Saul.

Dr. Saul says the maidenberry shrub, or crossopetalum rhacoma, found at the top of Skroggins Hill is highly endangered and could disappear if the land is sold to developers.

The Buy Back Bermuda (BBB) campaign — a collaboration between Bermuda National Trust and the Audubon Society — is trying to raise $2.5 million to save the 7.5-acre site adjacent to the Railway Trail, along with a 3.36-acre plot of land along Shelly Bay stretch.

"Hidden in the undergrowth of wild asparagus fern and Brazilian pepper, at the very top of Skroggins Hill in Southampton, is the final refuge of one of the rarest plants in Bermuda," said Dr. Saul, who is heading the fundraising drive.

"This small shrub, a native of southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central America and Bermuda, has been on the Island for well over a hundred years.

"It was recorded in Southampton as early as 1875 by Governor Lefroy. Today, on our small Island, it is now considered highly endangered. This shrub will disappear altogether in Bermuda without some assistance."

The maidenberry has bright red berries and greenish-red flowers and grows here to a maximum of about three feet on the rocky ridges and barren hillsides of Skroggins Hill.

BBB plans to buy the plot, known as Evans Bay Pond, and clear the invasive plants to stop them crowding out the rhacoma. The property, along with Eve's Pond in Hamilton Parish, would eventually be opened to the public.

Dr. Saul said: "Skroggins Hill, which can be reached via the old Railway Trail, is considered a gem of a property, which has, with the exception of an old quarry, escaped development by man over the centuries.

"The crossopetalum rhacoma, which is usually found in dry, rocky sites in Florida — where it is also endangered — and the Bahamas, grows near the sea and here in Bermuda it resembles the common local shrub lantana.

"However, no doubt due to land development and the fact that it can only stand moderate competition, it is easily crowded out by ferns and invasive plants like Brazilian pepper and cherry, and consequently its numbers have dropped. Skroggins Hill is their last refuge."

More than 500 donations, representing pledges and cash in excess of $1.75 million has been raised in less than six months for the two pieces of land.

Dr. Saul said: "We hope to get another 500 donors — that is, a total of 1,000 names — to be put on a bronze plaque that will be erected in memory of all who will have donated to save these two properties."

Donations can be made to P.O. Box HM 61, HM AX, Hamilton or call 236-6483. Brochures and pledge forms are available in all post offices.