Researchers have found an ancient seagrass sprawling across 112 miles off the coast of Western Australia. Believed to be at least 4,500 years old, this plant is now considered the largest known plant on Earth, covering an area of approximately 77 square miles in the shallow waters of Shark Bay.
The seagrass, identified as Posidonia australis or ribbon weed, was initially considered a meadow of separate plants.¹
However, genetic testing revealed that the entire expanse was a single clone stemming from one seedling.
This finding has shed new light on the resilience and adaptability of marine flora in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
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A Marvel of Resilience & Adaptability
What makes this seagrass particularly unique is its ability to thrive in the harsh conditions of Shark Bay. The plant has endured a wide range of temperatures, from 59°F to 86°F, and varying salinity levels that can be up to double that of normal seawater.(ref) Despite these challenges, the seagrass has survived and flourished over millennia.
Scientists attribute the plant’s resilience to its genetic makeup. Unlike most plants that inherit half of their genes from each parent, this seagrass is a polyploid, meaning it carries the entire genome of both parents.
This genetic advantage may have allowed the plant to adapt to the extreme conditions of Shark Bay and expand its reach over time.
Implications for Climate Change & Conservation
The discovery of this ancient seagrass holds significant implications for our understanding of climate change and marine conservation. Seagrasses play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems, providing habitat for diverse species, storing carbon, and protecting coastlines from erosion.(ref)
However, seagrasses worldwide are threatened by climate change, ocean acidification, and human activities. The fact that this particular plant has thrived for thousands of years in a challenging environment offers hope for the future of seagrass conservation.
Researchers believe studying this plant’s genetic makeup and adaptability could provide valuable insights into protecting and restoring seagrass meadows in other parts of the world.
The Future of the World’s Largest Plant
While the discovery of this ancient seagrass is cause for celebration, its future is not guaranteed.
In the summers of 2010 and 2011, an unprecedented marine heatwave struck the Western Australian coastline.
The extreme temperatures, which soared up to 41°F above average, dealt a severe blow to the seagrass meadows of Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vast expanses of seagrass.(ref)
Despite the devastating impact of the heatwave, which damaged around 36% of Shark Bay’s seagrass meadows, the resilient plant has shown signs of recovery.
However, the threat of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events continue to loom large over this unique ecosystem.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.