A miraculous little plant proves life persists after deforestation

On the western slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, a research botanist found a tiny, newly discovered plant in a formerly cleared area of cloud forest. The plant, named Amalophyllon miraculum, is a species new to science. Western Ecuador has lost a significant portion of its forests due to clearing for various reasons. The discovery of this plant in a remnant patch of untouched land is seen as a hopeful sign that there may be other undiscovered species in similar areas. The preservation of these forests is crucial for the survival of thousands of species.