Abstract Detail

Paleobotany

Doan, Shannon C [1], PIGG, KATHLEEN [2], DEVORE, MELANIE [3].

Yakima Canyon, WA, USA: An anatomically preserved fossil flora from the middle Miocene.

The permineralized flora of Yakima Canyon, WA represents an important assemblage of fossilized plant remains from the middle Miocene (15.6 mya). Discovered in 1965 by local residents TH Tuggle and R Foisy, the site has yielded a treasure trove of anatomically preserved remains from several plant families, dominated by Taxodium (Cupressaceae) studied by Coleman (2004). Several authors have described individual taxa from the locality. The first to be described from this locality was a pine (Pinus foisyi) with stems, leaves, and asymmetric seed cones (Miller 1982). Three ferns have been found, including Osmunda wehri (Miller 1992), the extant Woodwardia virginica , and Wessiea yakimaensis (Pigg & Rothwell 2001). Whole, intact acorns of a white oak, Quercus hiholensis, were described from seed, embryo and involucre characters (Borgardt & Pigg 1999). Liquidambar changii (Altingiaceae), similar to the extant L. acalycina from China, was described by Pigg, Ickert-Bond, & Wen (2004). Tcherepova (2001) investigated Paliurus (Rhamnaceae) and Nyssa (Nyssaceae). Most recently, Pigg et al. (2014) described Melia yakimaensis (Meliaceae) from endocarps.
The current study attempts to compile all that is currently known, and to begin examining the unknown taxa that appear in the matrix. Shirleya grahamae (Lythraceae) was described from fruits by Pigg and DeVore (2005). The current study investigates flowers that may also be assignable to this taxon. Staminate and pistillate inflorescences, infructescences, and possible fruitlets with dispersal hairs of Platanus (Platanaceae) are considered. Vitis seeds and vines will also be examined, as well as a Typha-like monocot. Numerous “unknowns” include well-preserved seeds, stems, leaves, and twigs, yet to be described, as well as evidence of insect damage patterns and galls.

1 - Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA
2 - Arizona State University, SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES FACULTY & ADMIN, BOX 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA
3 - Georgia College, Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences, 1834 Tanglewood Road, Milledgeville, GA, 31061, USA

Keywords:
Paleobotany
Miocene
Yakima Canyon
permineralized
Washington.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Paleobotany posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPB007
Abstract ID:471
Candidate for Awards:None