A tree last seen nearly two centuries ago and thought to be extinct has been found in an urban area in northeastern Brazil, a team of scientists announced Tuesday.
The “Ilex sapiiformis,” which can grow to eight to 12 meters high, was spotted in the state of Pernambuco by an expedition that spent six days in the region looking for it, the environmental group originally said. of the Re:wild project, co-founder of Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.
The species known as Pernambuco ilex was first recorded by Western science in 1838 by Scottish biologist George Gardner.
Photo AFP
This was the only confirmed sighting until March 22, when the new expedition found four specimens on the banks of a small river in the town of Igarassu, on the outskirts of the state capital Recife.
“It is incredible that the Pernambuco ilex has been rediscovered in a metropolitan area home to nearly six million people,” said Christina Biggs, lost species manager at Re:wild.
“This tree is a perfect example of why it is important to keep looking,” she added.
The team of scientists discovered it by following the trail of small white flowers characteristic of the species.
Expedition leader Gustavo Martinelli said the group now hopes to start a breeding program for the species.