Rediscovered Plant Thought Extinct for 58 Years Found in Australia

UPDATE: A plant long believed to be extinct for nearly 58 years has been astonishingly rediscovered in Queensland, Australia. The small shrub, known as Ptilotus senarius, had not been documented since 1967, and its surprising re-emergence has sent shockwaves through the botanical community.

The rediscovery took place in June 2025, when horticulturalist and avid bird bander Aaron Bean uploaded photos of a peculiar plant to the citizen science platform iNaturalist. Bean was working on private land in the Gilbert River region when he stumbled upon the shrub, reigniting hope for a species thought lost.

Quickly, the images caught the attention of botanists, prompting further investigation. Following a specimen collection, experts confirmed the identification of Ptilotus senarius, verifying that this elusive plant had been surviving undetected for decades.

This remarkable find underscores the transformative power of digital platforms like iNaturalist in conservation efforts. According to Thomas Mesaglio, an ecologist at the University of New South Wales and co-author of the study, “Rediscoveries offer that opportunity to conduct follow-up, targeted surveys and consistent long-term monitoring.”

“iNaturalist especially has become an invaluable tool for recording biodiversity on private property, which can often be difficult to access by professional researchers,” said Mesaglio.

As of July 2025, iNaturalist hosts over 104 million verifiable photographic vouchers of plants worldwide, highlighting its role in documenting biodiversity. The platform allows users to instantly share observations, enabling specialists to identify rare or unusual species quickly.

Experts emphasize how critical this capability is for species like Ptilotus senarius that exist in very small populations or in hard-to-reach areas. Without Bean’s timely upload, the plant might have remained undetected indefinitely.

While the current population size and long-term survival prospects of Ptilotus senarius still need assessment, this rediscovery is a potent reminder that some species considered lost may still persist in overlooked landscapes. The findings advocate for increased attention to areas frequently ignored by researchers.

As the scientific community analyzes the implications of this discovery, attention will turn to follow-up studies aimed at understanding the plant’s habitat and distribution more thoroughly.

This story serves as a reminder of the importance of citizen science in modern ecology. Who knows what other hidden treasures remain undiscovered in nature? Share your thoughts or tips on science stories with us at [email protected].