In the Andes Mountains of Chile and Bolivia, an unusual plant can be discovered that resembles a giant lime-green ball. Contrary to its appearance, it is not soft; in fact, it feels quite cold to the touch. Known as llareta, this plant belongs to the Apiaceae family, to which parsley, carrot and fennel also belong. What sets it apart, however, is its extremely slow growth rate. Some llareta specimens, which barely grow more than a centimeter per year, predate the birth of Jesus by more than three thousand years.

Llareta might look like green gift wrap, and you might imagine it to have a moldy appearance as it is wrapped around rocks. However, that is not the case. The rough surface of Llareta is actually a dense cluster of thousands of flower buds located at the tips of long stems, densely packed together to form a compact surface. It is so dry that it can be used as fuel to light campfires and run vehicles. Additionally, it is claimed to have muscle pain-relieving properties.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Llareta is its unique appearance, unlike anything else in the world. As you ascend to altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet on the horizon, surrounded by boulders, loose rocks and jagged edges, you come across a mysterious spherical object resembling a lime-green beach ball. Its intriguing appearance inevitably sparks curiosity and wonder.

In her latest book documenting Llareta, artist and photographer Rachel Suman describes it as “ridiculously beautiful.” Her admiration for this ancient structure is not solitary. It is clear why tourists and hikers alike have been captivated by the sight of Lloret de Mar. It serves as proof of nature’s resilience and adaptability, thriving in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

At its core, the Llareta may resemble a giant green mass of slime, but it remains a natural wonder that has endured for over three thousand years. It serves as a reminder that the world is full of incredible discoveries and is a beautiful testament to nature’s adaptability.