There’s a mysterious type of tree discovered in 1990. There’s only 25 and no one knows where they came from!

In 1990, a small tree was discovered in Arkansas. This mysterious species - formally known as Mespilus canescens and more commonly as Stern's Medlar is the only is only the second known tree species in the genus. The other is the European Mespilus germanica.

Stern's Medlar is likely a cross between this european tree and some sort of North American species. It has sparse 2-3 inch thorns and five petaled white flowers that bloom in late spring. Its fruit is almost spherical and 8-12 mm in diameter.

The tree, which resides in the Konecny Grove Natural Area in Prairie County, Arkansas, is critically endangered. There are just 25 known trees, and they all live in this area.