A lonely ancient plant needs a female partner – researchers are using drones and AI to find it

A rare and ancient plant has been waiting for its long-lost mate. The only known specimens of Encephalartos woodii, a rare and ancient species of cycad, are male, all clones of the same plant found over 100 years ago deep in a South African forest. Now a team of researchers is on a mission to find an elusive female version of the plant with the help of drones and artificial intelligence. 

In this episode we speak to Laura Cinti, a research fellow at the University of Southampton in the UK, about her determined quest to save the species – called the world's "loneliest" plant. 

The story in this episode came out of our series Plant Curious, exploring scientific studies that challenge the way you view plantlife. The episode was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware, with assistance from Katie Flood and sound design by Michelle Macklem. Our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits for this episode are available. Sign up here for a free daily newsletter from The Conversation. A transcript is also available.

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Further reading:

• Searching for a female partner for the world’s ‘loneliest’ plant
• The silent conversations of plants
• Climate mapping can point to danger spots where new pest threatens Africa’s cycads 
• Thirsty tomatoes emit ultrasonic sounds – and other plants may be listening