Nativus is a dream that started with the idea of its founder, Liliana Jaramillo. After finishing the research project for her masters degree in Australia, she returned to Ecuador to continue the implementation of her research. Liliana developed a selection of native plant for green roofs in Quito and decided to start testing the plants on actual roofs.

During the early days of this project implementation, she encountered different obstacles for its development. For example, the use and dominance of introduced species had hindered the commercialization of native plants. The lack of knowledge of the availability of native plants and their readiness to be used everywhere seemed to be the main obstacle.  Sadly enough, sometimes the lack of knowledge of the very existence of native plants has prevented people from using and enjoying them  in urban spaces. Because of this situation, Liliana identified the need for developing applied research of native plants.

Consequently, she started searching for support and funding for the development of this project. With her idea, Liliana won the Young Champions of the Earth Award in 2017 promoted by the United Nations Environment Program. At the same time, she won a local entrepreneurship competition called Reto de Emprendimiento Urbano, organized by IMPAQTO, a startup accelerator in Quito.

These events encouraged her to begin the collection and propagation of native plants for further experimentation on green roofs. This is how Nativus was born, as a response to this urban growth, to promote the reintroduction of native flora and to create not only aesthetic, but also functional, green spaces. Nativus seeks to enhance species conservation and sustainable development in cities.

The project materialized with the first green roof prototype using native plants set up on a 15 story building in Quito, Ecuador.

In 2018 Nativus was once more selected for recognition, when Liliana won, along with 9 other women in Quito, A Mentorship Program of Women4Climate organized by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group .

Currently, Nativus continues the research and evaluation of suitable species for its commercialization and cultivation in urban spaces.