Can I view the Millennium Seed Bank?

The Millennium Seed Bank includes a display for visitors. It is also possible to see some of the scientists at work. The vaults are not open to the public.
Find out more about the Millennium Seed Bank....

Why is the Millennium Seed Bank known as an insurance policy?

Seeds are stored against future possible extinction. This is with agreement of our partner countries. Seeds can only be reintroduced or distributed with their agreement. Seeds may be made available for research or conservation projects but are not available for distribution to the general public.

How many species have been collected at the Millennium Seed Bank?

Almost 100% of British Species have been collected and we aim to have collected 10% of world Species by 2010.
More Millennium Seed Bank FAQs....

Can I deposit seed at the Seedbank?

Members of the public cannot deposit seed in the Seed Bank. A mini-seedbank is available for you to store your own seed.
Find out more about seed storage....

Can I collect seeds for Kew?

Kew's seed collecting is carried out according to CITES regulations and in agreement with our global partners. The Convention was established with the aim of controlling and monitoring the international trade in plants and animals considered to be threatened, or likely to become threatened, and affected by such trade. Generally, the Convention does not prohibit the international trade in listed species, but seeks to prevent the unsustainable exploitation of wild populations of plants and animals. See www.kew.org/conservation and www.kew.org/msbp/msbfaq

What is an endemic plant?

If a plant is described as endemic to a country then it means it is found only in that country and nowhere else.

Why did Sir Joseph Hooker suggest a cash-crop for St Helena?

In the Victorian period, one of Kew's roles was to advise on the commercial use of plants. Today, much of Kew's work focuses on conservation. Find out more about Sir Joseph Hooker at www.kew.org/heritage/
people/hooker_j.html

What is the cabbage tree plant?

It is a Dendroseris litoralis which is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Find out more about the cabbage tree at www.kew.org/plants/
islandplants/cabbage.html

Are there any on display?

The Dendroseris litoralis are being grown in the behind-the-scenes nurseries.

Why is it necessary to grow the plants for identification purposes?

The seeds needed to be verified by one of Kew's botanists. It is not always possible to distinguish one species from another from the leaves alone as they may not have sufficient distinctive features. A flower or seed pod is therefore required as well as the leaves. Find out more about plant classification at www.kew.org/plants/
classification.html

Where is the rose pergola?

The Rose Pergola is next to the Order Beds. You can also see roses in the Rose Garden behind the Palm House. Find out more about the Rose Pergola at www.kew.org/places/
kew/orderbeds.html

Why does the rose pruning take so long?

Pruning the Pergola is a marathon because of the number of roses.

How can you prune the roses on the pillar without taking down the canopy?

The branches wrapped round the pillars do not grow up as far as the canopy. Separate branches from the same plant form the canopy.

Why does Kew distribute plants to other Gardens?

Kew provides other Botanic Gardens with plants so that they can be grown in different conditions. This provides useful information about their development and it also helps conservation should Kew's specimen not flourish.

How can I find out more about the Japan expedition?

See our Frequently Asked Questions for episode 8 of the first series

What was the first tree that Ray planted at Kew?

It is one of the tulip trees by the Azalea Garden. Find out more about tulip trees at www.kew.org/plants/
trees/tuliptree.html