Plant species that have been officially reported as lost are still found in the wild, in seed banks, and in botanical gardens.

Four decades ago, botanist Walter Scott dug up several yellow flowering plants on a hill that was scheduled to be excavated and levelled. After taking them home, he planted them in wooden boxes. Mr Scott's plan was to protect the hawkweed (Hieracium hethlandiae) from extinction.

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In May 2021, the hawkweed was added to the list of extinct plants, but it has not disappeared and is doing more or less well! In a study published on 8 March, scientists included 36 species in the list of extinct species, 17 of which should be removed from this list.