Melbourne: German scientists are searching a way to clone the perfect Christmas tree.
Scientists from the Berlin's Humboldt University are planning to refine a method to clone popular Nordmann fir trees by 2016.
They are looking for a method 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 from the university said 40 per cent 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 report said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, December 23, 2012, 20:30