A 56-leaf clover found last year by farmer Shigeo Obara in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as a new world mark, his family said Monday.

Obara, who died in May at 85 after more than 60 years studying ways to increase the number of leaves through the natural crossbreeding of polyphyllous clovers, held the previous record as well with an 18-leaf specimen.

He found the new record holder, with leaves 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm long in layers, in May 2009 in his garden.

His 59-year-old son, Kazuo, said he has received a certificate from the London-based Guinness World Records on his father’s behalf.