The Millennium Seed Bank Project (MSBP) targets the most rare, threatened and useful plants for seed collection and storage. Each year, MSBP seed collecting teams throughout the world carry out expeditions to the remotest parts of the planet. Compared to our plant hunting predecessors, we have an impressive range of methodologies and tools to help us find the rarest plant species out there. From old records to geographical information and positioning systems, to whatever form of transport that will get us there – from customised 4×4 vehicles or our own two feet.

In this lecture Michael Way, the Americas Co-ordinator, will explain the use of these methodologies and tools, and give examples of the re-discovery of some of the world’s rarest plants as well as some that remain lost.