Kings Lomatia

Research on an endangered species of Tasmanian plant has led to the discovery of what is thought to be the oldest known plant clone on Earth.

Stands of genetically identical individuals of Kings lomatia (Lomatia tasmanica), or Kings holly, are estimated to be at least 43,000 years old.

Kings lomatia is highly endangered and is found only in two tiny spots in the remote south-west of Tasmania. Its total population is approximately 500 plants. The populations appear to be maintained vegetatively, by root-suckering and coppice. One stand has spread over 1.2 kilometres (almost one mile), making it the second longest such clone in the world after the two kilometre (1.2 mile) long huckleberry clone (Gaylussacia brachycerium) in North America.

Because of Kings lomatia’s vulnerability its location is protected.