Death Valley shrub survives extreme heat with some unique tricks

Tidestromia oblongifolia has the highest known heat tolerance. (Image: Karine Prado)

A shrub in Death Valley thrives where summer heat exceeds 49 °C. Tidestromia oblongifolia has the highest known heat tolerance. It performs photosynthesis at temperatures no other land plant can. Researchers are amazed at its rapid adaptation and survival.

Internal Machinery Rearranges Under Heat

The plant reorganizes its internal cells during extreme heat. Mitochondria move closer to chloroplasts and multiply in number. Chloroplasts shift shape from ovals to cup-like structures. This arrangement boosts photosynthesis and energy efficiency. Heat-response genes are activated to repair and protect cells.

Rapid Growth in Intense Temperatures

Lab experiments show the shrub triples its biomass in ten days. Photosynthesis rates increase dramatically within two days of heat exposure. Its optimal photosynthesis temperature rises to 45 °C over two weeks. No major crop species can match this performance. The plant thrives where most species would wilt.

Blueprint for Future Crops

Scientists hope to learn from its survival strategies. Its adaptations may guide heat-resilient crop development. Understanding its cellular and genetic mechanisms is key. Global warming pressures make such research urgent. The shrub offers lessons for agriculture in hotter climates.