Dhe existence of many species adapted to the dry environment has long proved that the Namibian desert is by no means a hostile and lifeless place. But the name of a plant that has fascinated many scientists with its enormous adaptability should be taken almost literally: “Tweeblaarkanniedood” is the name of Welwitschia mirabilis in Namibia – Afrikaans for “two leaves that cannot die”. The seed plant from the order Gnetales has been found on earth for at least 112 million years. It grows endemic to the Namib Desert in southern Africa and was discovered in 1859 by the Austrian botanist Friedrich Welwitsch. Since then, many scientists have studied the wondrous species, which can live for hundreds of years, but has only two leaves that fan out in all directions throughout its life.
Now a group of researchers has deciphered the species’ genetic make-up and, in a publication of the same in the journal Nature, has taken a major step towards solving the mystery that has surrounded the Welwitschia since its discovery – how it is possible for so long in one so hostile environment to grow. The question is: Which molecular properties predestine the Welwitschi to this extreme form of evolutionary adaptation. “So far, scientists have looked for individual genes in it, including us,” says Andrew Leitch, professor of plant genetics at Queen Mary University of London and co-author of the study. The genome of this species is particularly exciting for a variety of reasons related to its fabulous ecology, development and morphology.