Greenscape Gardens Green Blog

GREENSCAPE GARDENS HORTICULTURAL FACT

Scientists Germinate 2,000 Year Old Seed!

Scientists in Jerusalem coaxed a 2,000-year-old date palm seed into producing a 12-inch-tall sapling. The seed was discovered at an archaeological dig by researchers looking for ancient medicinal plants. "It's the start of a long-term program to germinate more ancient seeds from this region, which have been found in archaeology digs," said Sarah Sallon, Hadassah Medical Organization director of natural medicine research.
*
"We would like one day to have plantations of these ancient cultivars." Scientists dubbed the sapling Methuselah. Sallon was not aware of anyone expressing interest in breeding the plant for commercial or ornamental use.