| 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. Log in to add this item to your schedule
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 |