'World's' oldest pot plant rehoused

London, July 30 (ANI): A pot plant, thought to be the oldest in the world, has been re-housed.

The huge Jurassic cycad, Encephalartos altensteninii (i), arrived in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, in 1775.

The ancient plant, collected by Kew's first plant hunter Francis Masson, has been growing at an average rate only 2.5cm a year, standing at current 4 metres 40 centimetres, reports The Telegraph.

The one-tonne plant, known as the 'Eastern Cape giant cycad', will be re-potted for the first time to ensure its health.

Wes Shaw, Keeper of the Palm House, said beforehand: "Cycads are fascinating prehistoric plants, and this one is one of the most unique plants in Kew Gardens.

"It's the don of the Palm House, and has been slowly growing year by year since the Gardens began.

"As Kew celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, it's a fitting time to re-pot this gem, to ensure that it remains healthy for future generations to enjoy.

"It will be an exciting and nerve-racking moment, but I'm glad to have a strong team of Kew gardeners around me, and we'll be thrilled to see it safely re-housed." (ANI)