Giant Groundsels (Dendrosenecio kilimanjari) are prehistoric plants found on top of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
They evolved about a million years ago in altitudes above 14,000 feet, where they learned to harness the ability to survive sub-zero temperatures. They can also grow as high as 30 feet tall.
Giant Groundsels are a member of the dandelion family but look more like a twist between a pineapple and a cactus. The plant retains its large dead leaves to help insulate the stem. The leaves even close when it gets too cold.
Marvelous and strange, one can imagine dinosaurs just snacking on these big old plants.
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