Deep in Peru’s northern Amazon, scientists have identified a rare ancient plant whose family dates back to the era of dinosaurs. The species, found in forests that remain underwater for most of the year, has surprised researchers who long believed such plants could not survive in constantly flooded ground.
The plant belongs to a very old group known for its palm-like look and thick leaves. These plants first appeared more than 200 million years ago, when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. Today, only a small number of them remain across the globe. Most grow on dry land with soil that drains well after rain. That is why this new discovery has drawn attention.
Researchers located the plant in the Loreto region of Peru during fieldwork in early 2025. The forests there flood for long periods, leaving tree roots and soil covered in standing water. Despite these harsh conditions, the newly identified plant appeared healthy and strong.
A survivor in year-round flooding
Scientists named the plant Zamia urarinorum. It grows along the Tigrillo and Urituyacu rivers, where water often surrounds its lower stem. In some cases, even the top part of the plant remained underwater for extended periods without visible harm.
Such conditions usually damage most land plants. Roots often rot when they lack air, leading to decline and death. Yet this species shows no clear signs of stress. Researchers reported firm roots and healthy leaves, suggesting the plant has adapted in ways not yet fully understood.
Experts confirmed it as a new species after comparing it with preserved plant samples and digital records. Although it closely resembles a related species, it differs in several clear ways. It produces fewer leaves on each stem. Its leaflets are longer and narrower. Its cones and seeds are also smaller.
Male and female cones grow on separate plants. This means small groups may struggle to reproduce if their habitat is disturbed. A damaged area could leave only one sex behind, preventing future growth.
The plant grows on land managed by the Urarina people. Local communities, including Raya Yacu, Nuevo Horizonte, and Puerto Rico, worked with scientists to locate and document the species. Indigenous land care has helped protect large areas of wetland forest where the plant continues to survive.
Fragile wetlands face growing threats
The flooded forests where Zamia urarinorum grows form part of a vast wetland system. These swamps and peat-rich soils store huge amounts of carbon. Water slows the breakdown of plant material, trapping carbon in the ground instead of releasing it into the air. Past studies estimate that billions of tons of carbon lie within the broader Pastaza-Marañon basin.
Scientists warn that these ecosystems face increasing pressure. Oil spills, road projects, farming expansion, and drainage efforts could lower water levels or damage forest cover. Even small changes in water flow might destroy the delicate balance that allows this ancient plant to survive.
Because the species has been found in only a few locations, researchers recommend listing it as endangered. Protecting the plant would also help safeguard wetlands that play a key role in stabilizing the climate and supporting river systems.
Future research will focus on searching for more populations and studying how the plant withstands constant flooding. Conservation decisions in the coming years may determine whether this living link to the dinosaur era continues to grow in the Amazon’s shadowed swamps or fades under modern pressures.