Published Jan 05, 2024
Poseidon’s ribbon weed, the world's largest plant in Shark Bay, Australia, covering 77 square miles, grew by repeatedly cloning itself. Thriving for 4,500 years, it also recovered well from heatwaves in 2010 and 2011.
Coast redwoods, reaching 379 feet, are the world's largest trees and live for 1,200 to 2,200 years. Native to the Pacific coast, prized for timber, they are now endangered.
Mountain ashes (Eucalyptus regnans), the world's tallest flowering plants at 330 feet, thrive in Tasmania and Victoria, Australia. They boast glossy leaves and bloom white flowers from March to May.
Giant bamboo, reaching 138 feet, is found in Southeast Asia. It grows quickly in clusters and has various uses, like making boat masts, water pipes, houses, furniture, and paper.
The giant highland banana in New Guinea's mountains reaches 98 feet, resembling trees, but is the world's largest herb. Growing in wet areas, it produces up to 300 fruits in a cluster.
It grows up to 82 feet and has the world's biggest inflorescence. Found in India and Sri Lanka, it blooms once between 30 and 80 years, producing many small flowers, and dies within a year after bearing fruit.