Why a single building in Sussex holds the key to global plant survival
In short: The Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst is arguably the most biodiverse place on Earth. This episode explores how scientists preserve over two billion seeds in sub-zero conditions to safeguard endangered plant species worldwide.
Located in Sussex, the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst serves as a global repository for plant life. By maintaining sub-zero storage temperatures, the facility preserves genetic diversity for future use and research. The project relies on international collaboration, working with scientists and researchers across the globe to identify and protect threatened botanical species.
The facility manages a collection exceeding two billion individual seeds. Beyond storage, the team investigates the limits of plant longevity, including the record-breaking feat of germinating the oldest seed ever successfully grown into a plant.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The most biodiverse place on earth is a building in Sussex | Dig Deeper episode 20 | Kew
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