Some of Madagascar’s exceptionally diverse tree flora do not occur in any protected areas and survive only in small forest fragments that are difficult to conserve. These species can be conserved ex-situ, but, while such collections are important, they are no substitute for wild plants surviving in natural, functional ecosystems. An alternative option proposed here is to integrate these species into reforestation projects in their home landscape. With a focus on taxa with recent robust taxonomic frameworks, we will locate threatened species not represented in secure protected areas, work with locals to monitor phenology and collect seeds for propagation, and either sell the resultant seedlings to tree planting projects or use them for ex-situ conservation and to reinforce wild populations. The project’s success will encourage and stimulate land managers to replace exotics in tree planting initiatives with natives, including nursery-grown material of threatened species.