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Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 274, 7 February 1929, Page 8

The extraordinary vitality of bi-oom seed is well known; it is reputed to pass through a fierce fire without suffering any damage. A story is told by a southern exchange of the experiences of a South Canterbury builder in connection with this seed, which, on the face of it, may seem more strange than fiction, yet it is said that its absolute reliability can be vouched for by more than one unimpeachable witness. A contractor obtained the sand for a plastering job from a riverbed. The sand to ail appearances was free from extraneous matter, but in handling large quantities it is easy to overlook slight imperfection. The job was completed in workmanlike style. But soon small protuberances appeared on the. surface of the walls, gradually growing larger. When an examination was made it was found- that they were caused by the germination. of broom seed which, heated by the lime in the plaster, had burst into life! It was not long before stalks broke through the surface and tiny buds appeared. Needless to say they were not long nermitted to flourish.