Scientists have discovered the oldest orchid fossil trapped in amber that dates back some 45 million years to 55 million years.
The finding shatters the previous record for an orchid fossil found in Dominican amber about 20-30 million years old.
The orchid family has some 28,000 species — more than double the number of bird species and quadruple the mammal species.
“It wasn’t until a few years ago that we even had evidence of ancient orchids because there wasn’t anything preserved in the fossil record,” said George Poinar, professor at Oregon State University in the US.
“But now we’re beginning to locate pollen evidence associated with insects trapped in amber, opening the door to some new discoveries,” said Poinar.