When we think about prehistory, it is normal to have dinosaurs in mind, animals that existed long before humans. But the truth is that There are also prehistoric plants that have been on the surface much longer than humans.
But, if we asked you what those plants are, could you tell us at least one or two of them? Next we want to talk to you about this type of plants that, believe it or not, you may even have in your home. Shall we start?
What are prehistoric plants
We can define prehistoric plants as those that appeared on Earth when there was not even animal life, much less human. In other words, They are plants that have been present almost since the beginning of the planet and that served as a prelude for animals to appear and evolve.
According to the fossils that scientists have investigated, there are many plants that are millions of years old. Many of them have disappeared, but others are still present today.
If we focus on those first plants, it is said that they served as an antechamber for animals because they were able to use solar energy to obtain food and release oxygen, making the Earth a planet on which there could be life. In fact, we can place the first references of plants in the Paleozoic era, that is, from 543 to 248. Of course, we do not know for sure if there will be more ancient ones, because so far they have not been found.
What is the oldest prehistoric plant
Based on scientific analysis, it appears that The first ancient plant that existed was moss and horsetail. These two plants are estimated to have appeared 400 million years ago.
Of course, these two plants are not now what they were in the past, but you can get an idea of how old they are and how they have evolved to reach our times.
Some of the prehistoric plants you can have at home
Would you like to have a plant that you knew was present almost with the creation of the Earth? That it lived with dinosaurs or the first hominids and that it has resisted wars, climate changes, and even what killed the dinosaurs? Well, take note because we are going to talk to you about them.
ferns
Ferns are one of the first plants to cover the Earth. It is believed that the first species of this plant were very similar to tree ferns. and they were present at the time of the dinosaurs. In fact, it is estimated that they appeared in the Paleozoic era, approximately 350 million years ago.
With this in mind, we must take into account how it has evolved and managed to diversify into more than 12000 different species. But, of all of them, the ferns that are considered oldest are the maidenhair, the fern lady or the autumn fern.
Horse tail
The horsetail plant is one of the oldest. This has the peculiarity (which it preserves from its prehistoric era) of multiplying through spores.
The natural habitat of the plant is swampy areas. But, When planting them in the garden, you must be careful because they spread very quickly and they can invade areas of other plants and kill them.
bald cypress
The scientific name of the bald cypress is Taxodium distichum. It is a tree that grows easily in dry, caked soil. He is able to reach 36-40 meters high But you have to be careful with the roots, as they can easily lift the soil.
Unlike other gymnosperms (plants that produce seeds), this one is deciduous, which makes the leaves acquire a very autumnal color.
Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides is another example of prehistoric plants. In fact, we talked to you about it but at one point it was thought to be extinct. However, in World War II a grove was discovered in China. From there they took seeds and now it is a tree that is found in several countries.
Like the bald cypress, this one can also reach 40 meters high It's just that the ideal soil is a moist one.
Ginkgo biloba
There is no doubt that one of the best-known trees is the Ginkgo biloba. And many know that it is a very old tree. The most characteristic thing about this plant is its fan-shaped leaves.
A curiosity about this tree has to do with its seeds. In case you don't know, there are male and female ginkgos. And the females develop seeds that emit a putrid odor. So be careful when buying one in case she is female and ends up stinking up your garden.
Cycads
Another of the prehistoric plants that you should know are these. They are similar to ferns, at least in their leaves. It really is a shrub that can reach a meter in height.
One of the most popular now is the Cyca revoluta, with sharp edges on the leaves.
magnolias
Focusing now on prehistoric flowering plants, these They began to appear in the Mesozoic Era, specifically in the Cretaceous period. So these in particular are about 140 million years old.
Currently there are more than 80 different species, all of them with very characteristic and striking flowers.
Palms
Inside these palm trees, the Butia capitata and Trachycarpus fortunei They are among the most recommended for their resistance. And, although palm trees usually have a natural habitat in tropical and subtropical areas, they resist the cold.
Even so, you have so many species to choose from that any of them, based on needs, will be fine. And the best of all is that It is a plant as old as the dinosaurs. In fact, this was already with the human being.
As you can see, there are many prehistoric plants that you can have inside your house or in your garden. Do you already have some at home and didn't know that it could come from a plant that is millions of years old? Which of all would you like to have?