Encephalartos woodii, a remarkable cycad species that has outlasted dinosaurs and multiple mass extinctions, now faces an unprecedented threat: loneliness. This ancient plant, native to South Africa’s Ngoye Forest, was discovered by a botanist in the late 19th century. However, despite extensive expeditions, no female specimen has ever been found.
E. woodii’s survival depends on sexual reproduction, which requires both male and female plants. In the absence of a female partner, the species has been cultivated manually through stems and offshoots. While this method has allowed the preservation of some individuals, it cannot ensure the genetic diversity and long-term survival of the species.
Recognizing the urgency, scientists have embarked on a mission to find a female E. woodii. Inspired by the possibility that one may still exist, they are utilizing remote sensing technologies and artificial intelligence to scour the Ngoye Forest. The success of this project would not only save E. woodii from extinction but also provide valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of ancient plant species in the face of environmental challenges.
