Seed bank
Seeds… germination for plant diversity!
In our seed bank we save seeds for the future; we use the seeds for the reintroduction of disappeared species or in scientific research. Preserving plant species in their natural habitat is always preferred, but a seed bank can be a last resort to save endangered plant species from extinction.
Seeds are small: in a space of a few cubic metres we can store thousands of species at a time. If frozen, they can retain their germinative power for decades, maybe even hundreds of years if they are ultra-dry before freezing.
Our seed bank is active in several networks of experts in seed conservation and the use of seeds for habitat restoration:
- European Native Seed Conservation Network (ENSCONET) (http://ensconet.maich.gr/)
- Ecological Restoration Alliance of Botanic Gardens (ERABG) (https://www.erabg.org/)
- International Network for Seed-based Restoration (SER-INSR) (https://ser-insr.org/)
Together we work to preserve the biodiversity of our planet, because without plants there is no life! You can help too.