How a seed taken to space mysteriously changed after returning to Earth
Produced by: Danny Cyril Dcruze Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Space Tree
In 2014, within the serene gardens of the ancient Ganjoji temple in central Japan, a cosmic mystery began to unfold. A cherry tree, just four years old, defied all expectations and bloomed years ahead of its natural schedule.
The Journey of the Space Seed
The tree sprouted from a seed that orbited the Earth aboard the ISS for eight months. The story began with 265 seeds from the “Chujo-hime-seigan-zakura” tree, sent to space in 2008 and returning in 2009.
Astonishment at the Temple
Back on Earth, the monks of Ganjoji temple were astonished. The sapling, nurtured from one of these cosmic seeds, grew rapidly and bloomed early, producing flowers with six petals each, instead of five.
The Mystery Deepens
The early bloom was seen in four other locations. In Hokuto, a tree bloomed two years after planting, defying its species’ typical eight-year wait. Scientists and monks were puzzled by this phenomenon.
Cosmic Rays and Scientific Puzzles
Dr. Kaori Tomita-Yokotani, a plant physiologist, couldn’t find the exact reasons behind the rapid growth. Without a control group, the potential influence of cosmic rays remains speculative at best.
A Celestial Education
The seeds’ journey was also an educational project. Children gathered and planted the seed stones, expecting blossoms in adulthood. Instead, they witnessed this early bloom.
A Legacy from Space
The space cherry trees’ story continues to baffle scientists and delight onlookers. The young cherry tree in Ganjoji temple is a symbol of nature’s resilience
