A miraculous resurrection
The fruit of Judean date palm was a staple in biblical times. Pliny the Elder saiid none were as succulent or as sweet. This tree, that was revered for its medicinal properties, became extinct in the Middle Ages.
In the mid-1900s, archaeologists discovered date palm seeds stored in an ancient jar in the ruins of the palace of Herod the Great in Masada, Israel. They’d been sitting the for 2,000 years, and yet the seeds were perfectly preserved.
In 2005, Dr. Sarah Sallon challenged her friend and fellow scientist, Dr. Elaine Solowey from the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, to see if they could get any of the date palm seeds to grow. They successfully germinated the seeds and within 3 weeks, “Methuselah” sprouted. It was named after Noah’s grandfather, who lived 969 years!
https://rootandvine.com/from-extinction-to-resurrection-the-judean-date-palm-tree/