Until recently it was a monument to a Russian literary great: Alexander Pushkin. The tree in Taganrog, near the southern city of Rostov on Don, was an inspiration to the 19th century poet. Then a fire turned it to ashes, and the region mourned its loss.

Now the local union of businessmen has commissioned scientists at Rostov on Don University to restore the tree - called the Taganrog Oak, although it is a mulberry - by cloning it from cells salvaged from the burned trunk.

The head of the union, Leonid Matusevich, said: "It inspired the opening line to his poem Ruslan and Ludmila. A lot of businessmen here realise that there is more than money in life. This tree is important to Russia."

The scientists said it was possible, Mr Matusevich said, "but they did not say what experience they had in these matters. They have asked us to help pay for equipment."

The tree caught fire by accident two months ago.

Many regarded it as sacred because of the Pushkin connection. Ruslan and Ludmila, the poem which brought him success, is based on fairy tales that his grandmother told him in French.

It begins:

"On seashore far a green oak towers, And to it with a gold chain bound."