Ampelorhiza heteroxylon

Ampelorhiza heteroxylon is a new species of liana discovered following the finding of an 18.6 million year old fossil. It belongs to a diverse group of tropical lianas called Paullinieae, which currently has more than 475 species. It is the oldest known liana from the soapberry family. This discovery provides insights into the evolutionary process of climbing plants. The finding is the evidence that lianas have been creating unique wood even in their roots as far back as 18 million years ago.