Scientists say they are racing against time to name and describe new plants, before species go extinct.Plants and fungi hold promise as future medicines, fuels and foods, according to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.But opportunities are being lost to use this “treasure chest of incredible diversity” as species vanish due to habitat destruction and climate change.New estimates suggest two-fifths of the world’s plants are at risk of extinction.The assessment of the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi is based on research from more than 200 scientists in 42 countries.The report was released on the day of a United Nations summit, which will press for action from world leaders to address biodiversity loss.Plant extinction ‘bad news for all species’A third of tropical African plants face extinctionSeeds hold hidden treasures for future food
Source: Two-fifths of plants at risk of extinction, says report – BBC News
