Fossilized plant remains discovered near a Utah ghost town have stumped scientists, who are unable to link them to any modern or extinct plants.

A "strange" prehistoric plant species is the lone representative of a mysterious group of organisms that no longer exists, scientists have discovered. The first evidence of the species—in the form of fossilized leaves—came to light in eastern Utah in 1969.

In 1969, fossilized leaves of the species Othniophyton elongatum—which translates to "alien plant"—were identified in eastern Utah. Initially, scientists theorized the extinct species may have belonged to the ginseng family (Araliaceae).