Biologists have successfully cloned what is believed to be the World’s oldest living plant, to save it from extinction.
The World’s oldest known living plant is a tree species called King’s Lomatia discovered in the remote wilderness of Tasmania (Australia). It was first discovered about 70 years ago. It’s a genetic anomaly. The plant is a clone of itself and has been reproducing itself for over 43,000 years!
Unfortunately, the plant is under threat from an introduced fungus that is spreading in the grass surrounding the habitat of the plant. Fortunately, botanists at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens have successfully cloned the plant in the laboratory, so we now have a backup if the plant is totally destroyed by the fungus.
The actual location of the original plant is a secret, but thanks to the efforts of the botanists the cloned King’s Lomatia should eventually be on display in Gardens throughout the world.
SOURCE: ABC News – New hope for ancient plant
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About Danny Sheehan
Danny lives in Hong Kong but is originally from Australia. He is Married to Maggie and together they have two children with whom they enjoy sharing and enjoying an exciting life with daily. Danny's passions are freedom, adventure and discovery, mainly in nature and science but also spiritually. He is a great believer in living in the NOW.
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January 12, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Having spent my life as a plant expert, I am so intrigued with this discovery. the wonders of nature at an extreme!
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