After being missing for nearly 185 years, scientists have rediscovered a species of small holly tree, "Ilex sapiiformis," in northeastern Brazil.
This tree, known as the Pernambuco holly, was initially documented by Scottish biologist George Gardner in 1838 but had not been seen since.
A recent expedition successfully located four of these trees in the city of Igarassu, near Recife, Brazil.
This discovery was surprising, as it occurred in a densely populated metropolitan area. The scientists followed a trail of small white flowers specific to the species to locate the trees.
The team now plans to initiate a breeding programme to protect and preserve this rare tree species
Source: Oman News Agency