A critically endangered prehistoric pine species, thought to have gone extinct millions of years ago, is now on public display at a Long Island arboretum, offering scientists and visitors a rare glimpse into Earth’s ancient flora. The tree, a living relic from the Miocene epoch, has been carefully cultivated and preserved, providing botanists with an unprecedented opportunity to study its genetic traits and ecological adaptations. Its survival challenges long-held assumptions about the resilience of prehistoric plant life in modern environments. The exhibit marks a significant moment for conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species with deep evolutionary histories.
Rare prehistoric pine on display at Planting Fields Arboretum CBS News