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Despite depressingly common misconceptions, fungi are not plants. However, the alliances made between these two forms of life could be an inspiration for the research communities that study them.
Plant science, like all specialist disciplines, has its own particular language. But when this lexicon is used in other contexts, we may find words do not mean what we think they do.
The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation requires 75% of threatened plant species conserved ex situ by 2020. Currently, ex situ conservation focuses on conventional seed banking, yet this method is unsuitable for many threatened species. The 75% target is unattainable without urgent investment into alternative techniques.
Just what do plants mean to you? To a plant biologist, they are objects of infinite fascination, but to many, plants are background — living wallpaper at best. However, the symbolic and cultural significance of plants is considerable, if often overused and undeserved.