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Abstract Detail


Paleobotanical Section

Boucher, Lisa [1].

Permineralized wood from the Tertiary of Madagascar.

Although plant fossils have been previously noted from Madagascar, a review of the literature indicates that significant gaps exist in our knowledge about the paleofloras that developed into the island’s unique flora today. In this study, three specimens of permineralized wood are described from different Tertiary exposures in the northern regions. The well-preserved specimens range from smaller log fragments to trunk size. One angiosperm specimen is a further description and re-evaluation of Eugeniaïtes princeps Loubiére and the two others are newly described. The specimens were analyzed using thin-section and cellulose-acetate peel technique with light and scanning electron microscopy. Two of the specimens share several features including vessels mainly in short radial multiples, simple perforation plates, heterocellular rays mostly 1-3 seriate, and tyloses. This suite of characters suggests affinities with the Sapotaceae. The third specimen has growth rings, vessels solitary and in short radial multiples, scalariform perforations of 10 to 15 bars, multiseriate and heterocellular rays, vessels longer than 1 mm, and common tyloses. These characters are found in secondary xylem belonging to several families including the Lauraceae and Magnoliaceae, however, other affinities are possible and will be discussed. Furthermore, the wood will be compared to the known plant fossil record in Madagascar as well as globally.

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1 - University of Nebraska-Omaha, Department of Biology, Omaha, NE, 68182-0040, USA

Keywords:
wood anatomy
Tertiary
Madagascar.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 58
Location: 556A/Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: 58001
Abstract ID:771


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