Discovery News, 23rd December 2009 … a tree in southern California, stranded in a suburban environment, has the appearance of a gnarled thicket of stunted oak trees wedged between a heap of stones and boulders – but it is a biological wonder. The centre grove of trees is actually a single plant that is estimated to be 13,000 years old. Genetic analysis has revealed each of its 70 stems, or truncated branches, a few feet tall, are genetically identical – they are one and the same plant. Although none of the actual ancient wood survives it exists because it is able to clone itself – resprouting after it has been burnt by fire.
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