Scientists used plastomic and biogeographical data to determine when different types of cycads first evolved. Their findings challenge previous ideas about when cycads first appeared and where they come from.
The Zamiaceae are often considered 'living fossils', but a close study of how they have evolved over millions of years can give a glimpse into the lives of past plants.
Several fungi had distributions extending into central and northern parts of the continent, illustrating their tolerance of an extraordinarily wide range of environmental conditions.