On top of the table are containers filled with cowpea-sized orange and brown seeds of the endangered Osyris lanceolata (sandalwood) tree. Sandalwood is native to semi-arid lands like Kitui but scientists are having to go farther away in search of seeds. Kefri says sandalwood cultivation will ease pressure on natural populations while providing income to farmers. These are plants that were noticed growing next to sandalwood in what the scientists now know is a symbiotic relationship. The target is to propagate up to 10,000 sandalwood trees a year.

Source: Daily Nation July 03, 2020 21:00 UTC