Plants in action at Kew
Plants are essential for clear air and water, food medicine and fuel. About 70% of the world’s population rely on plants for medicine. Scientists at Kew endeavour to discover new ways to make use of plants for good and share this knowledge with others.
Support science and research at Kew | Go behind the scenes with Kew blogs
Kew scientists have discovered a new use for the neem plant
15 Sep 2009
Thanks to Kew scientists, a new insecticide derived from the neem plant is now on the market.
2 likes2 comments
The maidenhair tree from Princess Augusta’s original botanic garden is still thriving at Kew
14 Sep 2009
Ginkgo biloba is one of the few trees that survive from Princess Augusta’s original 1762 botanic garden.
7 likes3 comments
Chamomile considered a 'secret weapon' during the Second World War
14 Sep 2009
The camouflage properties of the chamomile plant were secretly investigated at Kew for use in concealing grass airstrips from enemy planes.
1 like1 comment
Using native plants from Asia in medicines and health products
07 Sep 2009
Extracts from the wild ginkgo plant are used to treat asthma and digestive and circulatory problems for centuries.
5 likes0 comments
Kew scientists lead a horticultural breakthrough and cultivate café marron to bear fruit
05 Sep 2009
Kew scientists have performed a horticultural breakthrough by not only cultivating the small tree to flower regularly but for it to successfully pollinate and bear fruit.
6 likes2 comments
Kew's garden project is growing traditional remedies in the Eastern Cape
12 Aug 2009
Plants are vital to the health of people in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where 85% of the population rely on traditional plant-based medicine. Kew is working with collaborators in Africa and the UK to grow and use plants for the treatment of diseases that affect local people.
4 likes0 comments
Science & Conservation
Follow Kew
Keep up to date with events and news from Kew
Related Tags
- discovered
- around the world
- sustainable
- the UK
- at risk
- challenging
- successful
- together
- powerful
- ground breaking
- rich
- adventurous
- endangered
- rainforest
- uncharted
- irreplaceable
- needs help
- extraordinary
- beautiful
- english heritage
- historical
- interesting
- rare
- inspiring
- unusual
- rare
- old
- ancient
- Kew overseas
- amazing
- creative
- imaginative
- exotic
- innovative
- popular
- verge of extinction
- fragile
- urgent
- collections
- conserving
- protecting
- wet tropics
- gifts that help
- partnerships
- useful
- edible
- fruity
- pretty
- fieldwork
- South East Asia
- flowering
- of use
- hot spot
- wild
- fun
- woodland
- surveying
- english garden
News from the Gardens
Book of the month - The Story of Kew Gardens in Photographs
08 May 2013
This book tells the fascinating story of Kew Gardens through over two hundred and fifty black and white photographs, many of which have never been seen before.
Auriculas - a most beguiling plant now on sale at Kew Gardens
02 May 2013
Stunning auriculas bred by Chelsea Gold medal award winners William, Joan and Simon Lockyer will be sold in the Victoria Plaza garden shop at Kew Gardens from Friday 3 May 2013. Visit soon as stock is limited.
Olympic rings spectacular unveiled
18 Apr 2012
A floral spectacular is in bloom in front of the Orangery at Kew Gardens to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games.
David Attenborough's Kingdom of Plants 3D now available on DVD and Blu-ray
13 Mar 2012
Filmed over the course of a year at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Kingdom of Plants 3D provides a fascinating new look at plant life using stunning 3D time-lapse filming techniques. Own your personal copy today following the DVD and Blu-ray release.
