Two fifths of the world's plants are at risk of extinction, up from an estimated fifth in 2016, according to Kew Gardens. Kew's annual State of the World’s Plants and Fungi report brings together expertise of 210 scientists from 42 countries to classify species at risk of extinction, including 723 plants we use for medicine. New analyses this year show that 39.4 per cent of plants are at risk, meaning estimates have doubled in a mere four years. Among those threatened with extinction are 723 species used for medicines, including plants used to treat circulatory disorders, skin diseases and coughs and colds. In 2019, 1,942 plants and 1,886 fungi were scientifically named for the first time, including new potential food plants and medicines.

Source: Daily Mail September 29, 2020 23:02 UTC