A fossilized tree 20 million years old has been found in Greece

Greek scientists found A. Rare tree Fossilized branches and roots remain intact after 20 million years.

The tree was found during road works near an old one Petrified forest Millions of years ago on Volcanic island of LesbosEastern Mediterranean.

The sample is approx It is 19 meters long and has been preserved thanks to a thick layer of volcanic ash After his fall.

Next to the fossilized tree Experts found a large number of fruit tree leaves, Which was added to the photo with Animal bones of the general area.

According to the experts, This is the first time a Tree In good shape With branches and roots, Professor Nikos Zoros of the Lesbos Petrified Forest Museum of Natural History said.

“It is a unique discovery. “It is kept in excellent condition and from studying petrified wood we will be able to determine what kind of plant it comes from.”

After the excavations The fossilized tree was removed from the site with a special splint And metal platform.

“During excavations they discover Various forests that existed between 17 and 20 million years ago on Lesbos And we can rebuild the ecosystem that was there during that time. ” Speaking of work in the region, Zoros added.

Petrified tree forest

he is The Petrified Forest of Lesbos, A site protected by the UNESCO extension 15 thousand hectares, It is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred 20 million years ago and sank the ecosystem of subtropical forests on the island in lava.