What would you save?
The average amount it costs to ensure a species of plant will never become extinct is £2,000. We have specially chosen species at £2,000 and at £1,000, that you can sponsor outright. Imagine yourself as the person or group who made sure that one of these species is protected forever.
To recognise your extraordinary contribution we will send you a certificate, a beautifully produced photograph of the species that you are responsible for safeguarding, and an invitation to take a tour of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, West Sussex. We will also record your gift on the touchscreen register at the Millennium Seed Bank.
While not everyone will have access to that amount of money, it is a sum that a group of friends could raise doing a sponsored event, like a walk or cycle, or by getting together to make a contribution. And don't forget that you can adopt a seed for just £25.
If you're interested in saving a species but want to find out what other species might be available contact Jill Taylor on 0208 332 3248 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm) to find out more. You can also read more about how the money is allocated.
We'd like to thank the following supporters who have already sponsored these plant species at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank.
Acanthus syriacus
A rare and endangered thorny desert plant from Lebanon
Sponsored for £1,000 in memory of Peggy Yorke Allen by Charlotte, Harriet and John Allen
Banksia solandri
As well as being attractive plants, they provide food and shelter for pygmy possums and other native animals.
Sponsored at £2,000, with thanks to Ian Ridpath.
Bulbine crassa
A species new to science, which through seed banking activity has its future guaranteed.
Sponsored to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of Martin and Rosie Godfrey.
Crepis foetida
Known as the stinking hawk's-beard, this rare UK native plant is found in south-east coastal sites.
Sponsored by the Uckfield Community Technology College.
Lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus)
Although widely distributed in Europe and temperate Asia, the lady's slipper orchid was at the brink of extinction in Britain, with only one known specimen left.
Sponsored at £2,000, with thanks to Chris and Lucy Taylor.
Dalea azurea
Propagated plants of this endangered Chilean plant species are ready to be reintroduced to the wild. This beautiful species is endemic, known only to be found in Chile.
Sponsored at £2,000, with thanks to Mrs Dale from Brighton.
Damasonium alisma
A UK native plant species threatened by habitat decline.
Sponsored at £2,000, in celebration of a golden wedding anniversary.
Erica greyi
A South African heather species, this plant was rediscovered a century after it was last collected.
Sponsored at £1,000, as a gift for Mr Alan and Mr Ted Grey.
Gladiolus aureus
A once widespread plant species, this beautiful geophyte is on the verge of extinction in the wild. Gladiolus aureus is endemic, known only to be found in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa.
Sponsored at £1,000 in memory of Ruth Button.
Lotononis macroloba
A new species in the pea family, discovered in Namibia.
Sponsored as a Christmas present for Dr. M. Anne Reid.
Moringa hildebrandtii
A multi-purpose species known only to be found in Madagascar.
Sponsored at £2,000, with thanks to Mr Morries from Lancashire.
Origanum syriacum
The most economically important edible wild plant in Lebanon.
Sponsored in memory of Kay Leadbeter.
Plectranthus unguentarius
A highly threatened Namibian plant from the mint family, down to only 120 known plants in the wild.
Sponsored at £1,000 by the 2010 Year 6 classes of Holly Trees Primary School, Brentwood, Essex.
Protea odorata
A South African shrub down to just 17 individuals in the wild.
Sponsored by Nicole Smith on behalf of herself, Meryl Smith, Cecilia Frances Eugene Croft and Petronella Cornelia (Naude) Havemann.
Roridula dentata
Known as the flycatcher bush, this plant does not consume the insects it traps but rather provides food for the assassin bugs. It has even been known to catch small birds.
Sponsored at £1,000 with thanks to Kew's own Digital Media Team - raising the money through a cycle ride from Kew Gardens to the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, West Sussex.
St Helena ebony (Trochetiopsis ebenus)
A critically endangered plant species with only two surviving wild specimens remaining, on the island of St Helena.
Sponsored
Viola ambigua
A central European violet known from only four localities and threatened by urban development.
Sponsored as a gift for Mrs Joy Helen Ironside.
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The latest news and blogs
Displaying the letters of Augustine Henry
by: Virginia Mills, Library, Art and Archives blog 03 Feb 2012
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The Millennium Seed Bank joins seed swap events
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Following the success of our Great Seed Swap, held at Wakehurst Place on 17 September 2011, the Millennium Seed Bank is supporting seed swap events around Sussex and further afield this year.
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Kew is recruiting a new Director
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Welcome to Stephen Hopper's blog
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Director (CEO and Chief Scientist) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to return to Australia
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