Plant believed extinct for 60 years suddenly reappears
A plant thought to be extinct for nearly 60 years has been rediscovered in northern Australia. The rare species, Ptilotus senarius, was identified after a photo was uploaded to the citizen science platform iNaturalist. This discovery underscores the growing role of everyday people in biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
- ▪Ptilotus senarius was last documented in 1967 and was considered extinct until its recent rediscovery.
- ▪The plant was identified by botanist Anthony Bean after a photo was uploaded by Aaron Bean, a professional horticulturalist.
- ▪The rediscovery highlights the importance of citizen science in modern biodiversity research.
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Science News from research organizations Plant believed extinct for 60 years suddenly reappears Date: May 18, 2026 Source: University of New South Wales Summary: A random photo snapped in the Australian outback has led to the rediscovery of a plant thought extinct for nearly 60 years — proving that ordinary people with smartphones are quietly transforming science. After bird bander Aaron Bean uploaded pictures of a strange shrub to iNaturalist, botanist Anthony Bean immediately recognized it as Ptilotus senarius, a rare species missing since 1967. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY Ptilotus senarius grows in such a remote part of Australia that it's a miracle it was rediscovered at all.
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