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<DOCID>jack_and_the_beanstalk.doc.txt</DOCID>
<AUTHOR>Jessica Bunke</AUTHOR>
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On Tuesday, October 3rd, DNR Officers and Michigan Wildlife Biologists confirmed the existence of a massive vine plant growing in the hills near Mt. Arvon in the western half of the Upper Peninsula.

Its literally the real-life version of the Jack and the Beanstalk story, explains Wildlife Biologist, Jacques Adzuki, only without the clouds and the giants castle.

The colossal vine was discovered two weeks ago by DNR Officer Sandra Gibbons, who at the time had been investigating reports of illegal hunting in the area.

We dont usually patrol this area, due to the lack of access points, reports Gibbons. So, you could say it was quite a shock seeing this huge vine lying right across my path, when there hadnt been one before.

Biologists remained baffled as to the probability of this incredible phenomenon occurring.  Reports said that the roots of the vine are located near the base of Mt. Arvon about a mile away and stretches for a further two-hundred meters along the ground.  The immense vine, when measured, had the diameter of three feet across and its leaves measured at 12 inches across at the widest point.

As far as the researchers could determine, the vine is most closely related to the Celastrus scandens, American Bittersweet vine plant.  However, much is still unknown about this mysterious plant to know for sure.

Future plans are currently being assembled for a special team of researchers, from all over the country and Canada, to work together in discovering the secrets of the giant vine.

Being one of the first biologists at the site, Adzuki has already been chosen to help lead the research team in their investigation.

Well be taking soil samples in various locations around the site of the plant to see if the ground contains any nutrients that could cause the exponential growth seen here, as well as checking the climate pattern for this area in the last thirty years Adzuki explains, however, this is an extremely mind-boggling phenomenon that we dont really know what well find.

Due to concerns, the precise location of the vine is not being shared with the public until further noticed.

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