Hundreds of seeds were found and some of them were chosen to plant. Photo: LR/AFP composite
Some 2,000-year-old seeds were hidden beneath the ruins of a Roman fort near the Dead Sea. Israel, when a team of archaeologists collected them. Later, the scientists, guided by naturopathy expert Sara Challen, planted the seeds and were able to bring the legendary tree back to life.
What does a legendary tree look like?
A tree born from seeds a Phoenix dactylifera 2,000 years old, originating from archaeological sites The Judean DesertAccording to a study describing the experience, in the journal Scientific advances.
The plant, known as the Judean date, is described in ancient sources as a tree notable for the quality, size, sweetness, long storage and medicinal properties of its fruit, however, it was lost over the centuries.
Six palm trees
For research, not just one palm tree was planted, but six. Sarah Challen and Elaine Solovey, both of the Hadassah Medical Organization, led a team of scientists to isolate a group from the hundreds of seeds collected. Of the 32 planted, 6 sprouted and were given names: Jonah, Uriel, Boaz, Judith, Anna and Adam.
“You may allow it seeds Lying dormant for thousands of years, we believe they are extinct and booming! “A pair of golden hands like Elaine’s is enough to bring them back to life,” Salon told AFP.
The project is a “light of hope” for planet Earth, which is currently facing climate crisis and mass extinction of species, the expert opined.
Six trees were able to grow from the recovered seeds. Photo: Scientific Advances
How were the seeds preserved?
It is estimated that the extremely low humidity around the Dead Sea may have contributed to the longevity of ancient date seeds.
Likewise, the team of scientists says the results confirm the existence of a highly sophisticated domestication culture in ancient Judea. This way, farmers will know which male palm trees (which produce pollen) are best suited to pollinate fruit-producing female palms.
Also, various types of migratory exchanges in the region are thought to have contributed to this. “They used cross-breeding with foreign (genetically different) males to create a rich variety,” the study says.
The project leaders are on the tray where the seeds are kept. Photo: AFP
More Related Information:
Which is the oldest tree in the world?
The ‘Great Grandfather’ is the nickname of a tree believed to be the oldest in the world and belongs to the genus Fitzroya cuprazoides. It has lived for 5,400 years in Alers Costero National Park in Chile.
The age of the ‘great grandfather’ was calculated by an algorithm. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
