In the context of our deep dive into the knowledge contained in local heritage trees, BOSTAN TREE researchers are active in several parallel geographical localities ranging from mountainous regions with moderate rainfall to arid environments with minimal precipitation and adverse climatic features. We are conducting systematic field surveys to locate relic trees that continue to survive in the wild.

For instance, combing the hyper arid Arava desert valleyscape, whose legacy of date palm farming stems back at least two millennia, we found several living specimens and measured their trunks as a first step in determining their precise age. We then collected -- and are now analyzing -- the phytoliths found in the soil adjacent to these remarkable cultivars whose study is providing us with outstanding details on their horticultural past. Endeavoring to preserve their genetic nucleus, we germinated the seeds from several wild date palms and are currently monitoring their regenerative processes at ex-situ greenhouse laboratories.

We are particularly excited to receive information pertaining to how these trees once fit with broader agricultural regimes that saw historic farmers plant in unison a range of trees and grapes from various botanical origins. As they come in, we will be publishing our findings from these exciting inquiries.