A fossilized leaf discovered in Brunei reveals that a now-endangered rainforest giant, the Kapur Paya tree, has thrived for millions of years—reshaping how we view conservation in Southeast Asia’s vanishing forests.
Key Points at a Glance
- First-ever fossil evidence of the endangered Kapur Paya (Dryobalanops rappa) tree discovered in Borneo
- Fossils over two million years old confirm the tree’s deep ecological roots
- Discovery highlights the ancient resilience of Asia’s tropical rainforests
- Findings underscore the urgency of conserving the dwindling dipterocarp forests
In a swampy corner of Borneo, time just folded back on itself. Among layers of ancient earth in Brunei, scientists unearthed the fossil of a leaf—delicate yet unmistakable. Its identity? The Kapur Paya tree, known to scientists as Dryobalanops rappa and to conservationists as one of Southeast Asia’s endangered rainforest giants. The find is not just rare—it’s a world first. Never before has a living endangered tropical tree species been found in the fossil record.
Led by Tengxiang Wang, a doctoral researcher at Penn State, and supported by an international consortium of botanists and paleontologists, the team’s discovery delivers a revelatory message from the past: these monumental trees have stood tall through millions of years of climate shifts and ecological upheaval. Now, they’re fighting for survival.
The fossils—dating back at least two million years—offer concrete proof that Dryobalanops rappa has been a defining feature of Borneo’s lowland peat swamp forests since deep in the Pleistocene epoch. This is more than a botanical curiosity; it’s a powerful reminder that today’s ecological treasures are rooted in ancient legacies. As Wang puts it, “We now have fossil proof that this magnificent tree species has been a dominant part of Borneo’s forests for millions of years.”
The identification process was as intricate as the leaf itself. By examining the microscopic details of the fossil’s cuticle—its outer skin—scientists were able to match its cellular structure precisely with modern Kapur Paya trees. Tiny pores called stomata, as well as patterns in epidermal cells, aligned so perfectly with living specimens that there could be no doubt.
For decades, Asia’s tropical rainforests have been an enigma in the fossil record. Compared to the well-documented histories of the Amazon and African rainforests, Southeast Asia’s botanical past has remained shrouded. This discovery, published in the American Journal of Botany, begins to change that narrative, anchoring Asia’s botanical timeline with hard fossil evidence.
The implications are profound, particularly for conservation. Dipterocarps—the tree family to which Kapur Paya belongs—are the backbone of Asia’s rainforests. They form dense canopies, support immense biodiversity, and act as crucial carbon sinks. But they are disappearing fast, victims of deforestation and habitat fragmentation. “Our finding fossils of living, endangered, giant tree species provides a vital historical foundation for conserving tropical Asia’s keystone trees,” said co-author Peter Wilf, professor of geosciences at Penn State.
Preserving Dryobalanops rappa is no longer just about saving a single species. It’s about safeguarding a lineage that has endured for geological epochs. As Wang notes, the discovery “adds a new dimension to conservation; we are not only protecting modern species but ancient survivors that have been key components of their unique ecosystems for millions of years.”
This paleobotanical breakthrough underscores a broader point: that history matters. Fossils aren’t relics—they’re blueprints. They reveal which species have stood the test of time and why. By tracing their resilience, scientists can prioritize which ecosystems are most vital, and most vulnerable, in the face of climate change and human impact.
The discovery also showcases the power of international collaboration. Researchers from institutions across the globe—spanning Italy, Switzerland, the U.S., and Brunei—converged to connect the dots between leaf, legacy, and landscape. With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation and Bruneian research initiatives, the work exemplifies how scientific partnerships can yield discoveries of global consequence.
Asia’s rainforests are shrinking. But buried in their muddy soils, remnants of ancient resilience still whisper stories of survival. The Kapur Paya leaf, perfectly preserved across millennia, speaks loud and clear: some trees have withstood the ages. Whether they survive the next century is now up to us.
Source: Penn State
