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Abstract Detail



Paleobotany

Manchester, Steven R [1].

Extinct anacardiaceous samaras and sumac-like leaves from the Eocene of western North America.

An extinct genus of asymmetrical samara, found at many localities of the Eocene Green River Formation of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming in western North America, occurs in association with pinnately compound anacardiaceous leaves that have been called Rhus nigricans (Lesquereux) Knowlton. The samaras were recognized as Anacardiaceae by Roland Brown, who placed them in the fossil genus Anacardites. However, that generic name, based on leaves described a century earlier by Saporta from the Oligocene of France, is inappropriate for isolated fruits. Here the fruits and associated foliage are recognized as representing a new extinct genus. Although morphologically unique, the fruit shares some of its characters with the samaras of extant Loxopterygium, supporting the familial assignment. Samaroid fruits occur in at least five different extant lineaages of Anacardiaceae (e.g., Amphipterygium, Faguetia Loxopterygium. Schinopsis and Smodingium). This fossil genus appears to represent yet another instance of morphological adaptation for wind dispersal.


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1 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

Keywords:
Green River Formation
Paleobotany
fossil
Anacardiaceae
samaroid fruit.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 25, Cretaceous/Cenozoic/collections paleobotany
Location: Sundance 3/Omni Hotel
Date: Tuesday, June 27th, 2017
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 25005
Abstract ID:503
Candidate for Awards:None


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