Space had a positive effect on one particular cherry tree seed taken to space in 2008 by Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata to the International Space Station, where they stayed for 8 months till returned to Japan : Space sakura have returned to Earth with cherry blossom superpowers – RocketNews24.
Local botanical groups were only able to successfully breed descendants from the tree through grafting, as none of the seeds taken from it have sprouted after being sewn. Well, all except one, a seed from the Chujohime Seiganzakura that made the trip to space and back. Not only has the space sakura grown to four meters (13 feet, 1 inch) in height, flowers recently bloomed on the tree.
Generally, sakura blooming in the spring don’t shock anyone, given that all of Japan anxiously waits for the arrival of the cherry blossoms every year. The four-year-old Gifu space sakura managed to catch scientists and caretakers off guard, though, as ordinarily cherry trees of this type don’t produce blossoms until they reach a decade or so in age.
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Scientists aren’t exactly sure why the trees in question are exhibiting such extraordinarily quick development. One researcher was quoted as saying that while it’s yet to be confirmed, they have to at least acknowledge the possibility that the environmental influences of space have somehow altered the plants’ DNA or stimulated their cells in as yet undetected ways, giving them capabilities beyond that of their earthbound brethren.
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Credits: karapaia.livedoor.biz
I can’t help but point out that Zero Gravity Solutions Inc is building a business on the effects of microgravity on stem cells (pun intended).