The team found a bamboo stem with unusual markings in silt-rich deposits, which detailed laboratory analysis identified as thorn scars. Morphological studies of the fossil, including nodes, buds, and thorn scars, allowed researchers to assign it to the genus Chimonobambusa. Comparisons with living thorny bamboos like Bambusa bambos and Chimonobambusa callosa helped reconstruct its defensive and ecological traits.

“This is the first fossil evidence showing that bamboo used thorns as a defense against herbivores in Asia during the Ice Age,” said the release. The preservation is significant because bamboo had disappeared from many regions, including Europe, during the colder, drier climates of that era. Northeast India’s warm and humid environment acted as a refuge, allowing bamboo to persist despite global climatic stress.

The fossil, part of late Pleistocene sediments, captures delicate features such as thorn scars, which rarely fossilize, highlighting the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot’s importance as an Ice Age refugium.

Geologist N. Herojit Singh of the Geological Survey of India noted that the fossil was discovered in 2021–22, with some samples measuring nearly one foot. The finding not only provides insight into bamboo evolution but also contributes to palaeoclimatic and biogeographic research, shedding light on how Northeast Asia safeguarded biodiversity during periods of environmental stress.

This discovery, published in the journal Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, adds a new dimension to understanding plant adaptation and regional climate history.

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The discovery was made in the sedimentary rock formations of the Manipur valley, where researchers were conducting paleobotanical surveys. Preliminary analysis indicates that this thorny bamboo species predates previously known fossil records in the continent.

Dr. Ramesh Singh, the lead researcher, explained, “This finding is significant because it helps us understand how bamboo adapted to climatic changes over millions of years. Thorny bamboo likely played a crucial role in the ecosystem, offering shelter and food for prehistoric fauna.”

The fossil’s unique features, including its woody structure and thorn patterns, suggest that these plants were well-adapted to protect themselves from herbivores. Scientists believe that the discovery could also help in understanding the genetic evolution of modern bamboo species used for construction, handicrafts, and food.

Local authorities and researchers are collaborating to preserve the fossil site. The team plans to conduct further excavations to uncover additional specimens and reconstruct the ancient landscape of Manipur.

Experts say that the discovery not only contributes to the field of paleobotany but also highlights Manipur’s ecological significance. The state, known today for its rich biodiversity, may have served as a cradle for several ancient plant species, including bamboo.

This breakthrough is expected to encourage further scientific studies and attract researchers to the northeastern region of India, emphasizing the importance of preserving fossil-rich sites for future generations.

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