British scientists will revive the Robin Hood tree using cloning
09.10.2023 | 17:09 |Scientists plan to revive the Robin Hood tree, illegally felled in England at the end of September in the Northumberland County National Park, using cloning. The famous plane tree, several hundred years old, has survived two world wars, seven monarchs and more than 40 prime ministers, and was felled on September 28 this year by unknown assailants.
The legendary tree appeared in the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and was considered one of England's most famous and photographed trees. According to legend, Robin Hood's lair was located in one of the oak trees in Sherwood Forest, but a plane tree in the national park in the north of England was used for filming. In 2016, it received the title “Tree of the Year”.
Scientists believe that it can grow back from the stump, but it will look different - not so majestic. Therefore, British experts decided to create a genetically identical tree using the clonal propagation method, since cloning plants is much easier.
Representatives of the British National Trust for Sites of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty have already collected seeds and cuttings that can be used to grow clones of the original. They are also considering the possibility of using the budding method, The Daily Mail reports.
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