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Full Version: Extinct tree rises from the dead via ancient clay time capsule
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http://themindunleashed.org/2015/08/exti...gists.html

EXCERPT: [...] By the time the Roman Empire sought to usurp control of the kingdom in 70 AD, broad forests of these trees flourished as a staple crop to the Judean economy — a fact that made them a prime resource for the invading army to destroy. Sadly, around the year 500 AD, the once plentiful palm had been completely wiped out, driven to extinction for the sake of conquest.

[...] During excavations [...] in Israel in the early 1960′s, archeologists unearthed a small stockpile of seeds stowed in a clay jar dating back 2,000 years. For the next four decades, the ancient seeds were kept in a drawer [...] But then, in 2005, botanical researcher Elaine Solowey decided to plant one and see what, if anything, would sprout.

[...] Amazingly, the multi-millennial seed did indeed sprout — producing a sapling no one had seen in centuries, becoming the oldest known tree seed to germinate.

Today, the living archeological treasure continues to grow and thrive [...] Solowey is working to revive other age-old trees from their long dormancy....