Extinct shrub 'rediscovered'
Copyright 2001 BBC
December 19, 2001
An Australian botanist says he has rediscovered a shrub believed to have been extinct for more than 160 years.
The plant is about two-metres high and has golden, star-like flowers.
It is called Asterolasia buxifolia, but is so rare that it has no common name.
It was originally collected in 1830 in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. But it was lost shortly afterwards, leading many to believe it was extinct.
Now, a botanist from Sydney, Bob Makinson, says he has uncovered a cluster of about 50 shrubs, again in the Blue Mountains.
Their identity was established with the help of DNA.
One of the main priorities now is to give the plant a name that is easier to pronounce.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service