Abstract Detail

Paleobotanical Section

DeVore, Melanie L. [1], Pigg, Kathleen B. [2], Taylor, Witt [1].

Sapindalean fruits from the Middle Miocene Yakima Canyon flora of central Washington State, U. S. A..

Small distinctive fruits with sapindalean affinities are described from the Middle Miocene silicified Yakima Canyon flora of central Washington State. Fruits are represented by endocarps lacking fleshy outer layers. They are 2.5-4.5 mm across, pedunculate and top-shaped with a slightly flattened base and a pointed apex.Prominent ridges extend laterally from the fruit base to apex, and fruits appear to be 5-8 loculate with axile placentation and septicidal dehiscence. Locules each bear a single ovate seed with a simple integument. Some specimens become split through the center, with the peduncle coming free, leaving a central hollow area. These Yakima Canyon endocarps most closely resemble members of the families Meliaceae and Coriariaceae, within Sapindales demonstrating the presence of the order at this Neogene site of northwestern North America.

1 - Georgia College & State University, Biological & Environmental Sciences, 135 Herty Hall, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, Georgia, 31061, USA
2 - Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, PO Box 874501, Tempe, Arizona, 85287-4501, USA

Keywords:
Meliaceae
Sapindales
fossil
Miocene
Permineralized.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 42-3
Location: Maybird (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Wednesday, August 4th, 2004
Time: 8:30 AM
Abstract ID:590