Abstract Detail

Lightning Talks – Germinating Ideas

Weaver-Bryant, Annie [1], Pigg, Kathleen [2], DeVore, Melanie [3].

Fossil Physocarpus (Ninebark) flowers and fruits from the Eocene of Republic, Washington.

An assemblage of distinctive rosaceous flowers and fruits resembling the extant genus Physocarpus, commonly known as Ninebark are described from the latest early Eocene flora of Republic, Washington. Over 50 specimens of compression/impression fossils have been recovered and they include several stages of development from possible flower buds to flowers to mature fruits. Most of the specimens are dehisced loculicidal capsules showing prominent, D-shaped carpels. Several are smaller, presumable flowers with long, sometimes curled anthers. Several pedicellate specimens are found in attachment to an additional order of branches, suggesting they were borne in racemes. The description of Physocarpus-like plants at Republic confirms the presence of an additional member of the Rosaceae, along with previously published Prunus and Oemleria flowers and Prunus, Photinia, Stonebergia and presumed Malus/Pyrus, Crataegus, Sorbus and other rosaceous genera.

1 - 417 S Hardy Dr, Tempe, AZ, 85281, United States
2 - Arizona State University, SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES FACULTY & ADMIN, Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
3 - Georgia College & State University, Biological And Environmental Sciences, Campus Box 081, Milledgeville, GA, 31061, United States

Keywords:
Eocene
Republic
Physocarpus.

Presentation Type: Germinating Ideas Lightning Talk
Number: LT2014
Abstract ID:359
Candidate for Awards:None