The 'perfect' Christmas tree may now be a possibility
That's what German scientists are now working on. They are searching for a way to ensure that the sensitive saplings of the popular Nordmann fir species grow into impressive specimens.
The fir is native to the Caucasus, but is often cultivated on massive plantations in Germany.
Biologist Kurt Zoglauer of Berlin's Humboldt University said on Friday that 40% of trees don't make the cut when they mature after 10 to 14 years.
Some are stunted by frost, while others turn out the 'wrong' shade of green.
Zoglauer's team therefore hopes to refine a method to clone particularly hardy and beautiful trees by 2016.
The project is supported by a German government grant. – Sapa-AP