India, July 15 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Fossil leaves recovered from a coalfield in the North East state of Assam have revealed that Kevda plant well known for the fragrant kewra essence, used in sweets, traditional medicine and also in temples has survived in the Indian subcontinent for at least 24 million years and is a living survivor from India's ancient tropical forests.
The study helps in understanding the role of India as a refuge for ancient plant lineages, the evolution of biodiversity during periods of climate change as well as comprehending future ecosystem responses.
Scientists, through regular investigations of the rich fossil flora of northeast India, chanced upon fossil leaves showing remarkable sim...