Fossilised plant remains unearthed near the now-abandoned town of Rainbow, Utah, have defied classification. The plant, named Othniophyton elongatum, was initially discovered in 1969, but recent analysis has shown it is unrelated to any known plant families, living or extinct. The fossil, dating back around 47 million years, was preserved in the Green River Formation, a region noted for its well-preserved ancient flora and fauna.

The article was published in the journal Annals of Botany. As per reports, researchers, led by Steven Manchester, curator of palaeobotany at the Florida Museum of Natural History, examined a more complete specimen discovered in the University of California, Berkeley’s palaeobotany collection. This specimen, featuring leaves, flowers and fruits, provided additional details that contradicted the earlier theory linking the plant to the ginseng family. He told Live Science that the detailed structures of the fruits and flowers show traits that have not been found in any modern or extinct plant family.

Unique Features of the Fossilised Plant

As per reports, the study revealed unique characteristics, including stamens that remained attached to the fruit even after fertilisation — a feature not observed in any other known species. Microscopy and artificial intelligence technology allowed researchers to identify micro-impressions of seeds and developing reproductive structures, adding further depth to the analysis.

Despite thorough comparisons, the researchers could not match the fossil to any of the over 400 families of flowering plants. Attempts to associate it with extinct plant groups also proved unsuccessful, as reported.

The Green River Formation’s Role in Fossil Discoveries

The Green River Formation, known for its rich deposits of lake sediment and volcanic ash, has previously yielded other enigmatic fossils, such as Bonanzacarpum fruit and Palibinia leaves. These findings have led to the identification of extinct groups, yet Othniophyton elongatum continues to challenge classification efforts. According to sources, the findings highlight the complexity of ancient ecosystems and suggest that the fossil record still holds many untold stories of plant evolution.