Scientists discover an amber-encased version of the largest flower in the world. The flower was still producing pollen at the time that it was being covered in the tree resin that forms amber.

This discovery was made possible by the fact that the flower was preserved in amber.

The researchers analysed the pollen grains. Thereafter placing the extinct flower in the family tree of its living relatives.

Experts believe that amber can be thought of as a time capsule. It is notable for preserving in great detail the plants and insects for millions of years.

Key facts!

• Plants in amber are very rare, but they are very important for scientists to study.
• They make it possible to grow the plants that grew on Earth at different times in its history.
• So, you can figure out what plants lived in the forests that produced amber by looking at the evidence.
• A flower about 1.1 inches long was found in amber about 150 years ago.
• The amber had preserved the flower.
• Scientists looked at the preserved flower again and found a large number of pollen grains.
• The pollen grains had gotten loose from the flower’s stamens, which were close together.
• “It is incredibly rare to find such a large flower in amber,” say experts.
• Also, the fact that the flower released its pollen at the same time that it embed itself in the resin.
• The researchers looked at the tiny pollen grains to find out more about them.
• They were able to figure out that the fossil came from shrubs and small trees.
• The fossil is also called “sweet leaf.”
• As a group, sweetleaf helped create a unique environment that included coastal marshes, bogs, and mixed woods.
• Researchers think this helps them learn more about the history of the woods on Earth and how they have changed over time.

Youtube user “FactSpark” shares information about Amber.

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