This overlooked California desert road hides a secret from the ice age
Briefly

King Clone, a clonal colony of creosote bush in the Mojave Desert, is roughly 11,700 years old, thriving since the late ice age. This colony, known scientifically as Larrea tridentata, showcases a unique genetic lineage that has persisted underground, allowing it to regenerate continuously. Its distinctive shape and expansive root system make it different from ordinary creosote bushes, contributing to its recognition as one of the oldest living organisms on the planet. The King Clone colony, situated between Joshua Tree and Barstow, embodies the resilience and longevity of life in challenging environments.
King Clone, a clonal colony of the creosote bush, is approximately 11,700 years old, representing one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
The King Clone colony has persisted since the late ice age, regenerating and maintaining genetic continuity through its underground structure.
Read at SFGATE
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