Can I view the Millennium Seed Bank?

The Welcome Trust Millennium Building, home to the Millennium Seed Bank, also includes a display for visitors. It is possible to see some of the scientists at work. The vaults are not open to the public.

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.

Why does the Millennium Seed Bank work with Project Partners?

The Convention on Biodiversity recognises the sovereign rights of states over their own biological resources and the authority of national governments to determine access to genetic resources. The partnerships honour this agreement through an access and benefit sharing agreement. Kew can provide expertise and resources and the partners local knowledge and seed.

What work is the Millennium Seedbank doing in Burkina Faso?

You can find out more about our work in Burkina Faso at www.kew.org/msbp/
internat/burkina.html

What work is the Millennium Seed Bank Project doing in Mali?

You can find out more about our work in Mali at www.kew.org/msbp/
internat/mali.html

What are recalcitrant seeds?

Recalcitrant is the term used to describe seeds that cannot be dried and stored. The Millennium Seed Bank is continuing research into the reasons why, and also for other storage methods.

What is a plant hunter?

Kew has a long history of botanical exploration. In the 18th and 19th centuries plant hunters brought back new species forscientific study and introduction. In the 19th century, the emphasis was on potential commerical use. Today's plant hunters collect seed and plants for conservation and research purposes.

What collections does the Herbarium hold?

The Herbarium has the largest collection of plant specimens (including type specimens), and plant specimens are represented from all regions of the world. Most of the plants are dried.

Why do you have a spirit collection?

Plants are stored in the Herbarium so that they can be studied by botanists. Where it is not suitable for plants, for example orchid flowers and fleshy fruits, they are stored in the Spirit Collection.

Why are the pots so big?

The Temperate House is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world. Large plants show to advantage there and therefore need the larger pots.

Can I buy pots at Kew?

Kew sells a range of pots specially designed for Kew. The Kew crest cannot be used on products that are for sale.

Why is commercialisation of the Wollemi pine crucial to its conservation?

Horticultural experts believe that having Wollemi pines in gardens, homes and parks everywhere is one of the best forms of insurance against loss in the wild. As royalties from Wollemi pine sales will fund ongoing conservation research, buying a pine will not only help to protect the species but will also safeguard its continued survival. More information can be fopund at www.wollemipine.com and a plant profile at www.kew.org/plants/wollemipine.html

When are the Wollemi pines going on sale?

The Collectors Edition is being auctioned on 23 October 2005 in Sydney. A range of smaller trees will be on sale from April 2006.

What is Kew's involvement in the Wollemi pine?

The Wollemi pine will survive a range of temperatures from –5 degrees Celsius and may even withstand colder climates. Kew Gardens and Wakehurst Place are two of the locations currently conducting hardiness trials in Europe.

Where can I see the Wollemi Pine?

One of the Wollemi pines is planted on the Orangery lawn in Kew Gardens, and another can be found in the Southern Hemisphere Garden in Wakehurst Place.

Why is the Wollemi pine so remarkable?

The pine dates back to the Jurassic period and was thought to be extinct. It was rediscovered in a canyon in the Blue Mountains, Australia, in 1994.