Artist’s rendition of the new species of plant discovered referenced with fossils near the discovery site and small spores collections recovered by the Russian team. Evidence has suggested the plant had carnivorous characteristics, not unlike our modern species.

Russian Scientists Discover Three Billion Year Old

Plant Spores Near Antarctica’s Mount Vinson

Moscow | A botany expedition from the University of Moscow studying plants that survive in subzero temperatures has uncovered a species of plant spores that have miraculously survived for over three billion years. “They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen in my fifty years of study,” says Professor Kazimir Orlov. The professor of botanical sciences believes the spores are still alive, despite the nearly unlivable environment. “Nothing else has survived in this region of the land mass.” Orlov’s team discovered the spores when performing a routine drilling procedure. The spores were uncovered 2.3 kilometers under the ice. “The spores seemed responsive to sunlight once removed from the ice,” Orlov explained. “We have yet to see any substantial growth, however.” Russian and Argentine Scientists are examining the recovered plant remains at the current Esperanza Base, administered by the Argentine Antarctic Institute (under the supervision of the Argentine National Antarctic Directorate). The unidentified spores have unique physiological qualities that assist in hibernation and energy conversion during periods with little sunlight. Orlov and his team have collected samples and are shipping them back to Moscow, under heavy supervision. The closest species to the new find is similar to the Venus Flytrap (pictured above) and may have spread across the ancient soil some thirty to forty feet in diameter. “It’s possible these spores are prehistoric specimens related to carnivorous plants we theorized were in this area,” says Genyadia Bolshev, a graduate student from the university. Bolshev developed a digital model of what the spores could look like if they grew to full size. “We’re going to study the spores in more detail in order to try and promote growth.” Scientists are now preparing reports on their findings of the enigma.