NSW: Australian native seeds sent into orbit

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2008
NSW: Australian native seeds sent into orbit

The Wollemi pine has spread around the world since it was discovered in Australia almost
15 years ago and now it's gaining a foothold in space.

Seeds from the so-called jurassic pine .. along with other native plant species ..

have been sent into orbit in an experiment to test how well they can be stored on a space
station to ensure against a disaster or environmental cataclysm on Earth.

Executive director of the Botanic Gardens Trust .. TIM ENTWISLE .. says 2,500 Golden
Wattle .. New South Wales Waratah .. Flannel Flower .. and Wollemi Pine seeds are on the
NASA Discovery Mission en route to the International Space Station.

The seeds have been in space since Discovery launched on May 31.

AAP RTV jjs/it/de/wz/fdf

KEYWORD: SCI:SEEDS (SYDNEY)

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