Paleorosa similkameenensis, gen. et sp. nov., permineralized flowers (Rosaceae) from the Eocene of British Columbia

Abstract

Paleorosa similkameenensis, gen. et sp. nov., a new species of fossil flower, is described from the Eocene, Allenby Formation of British Columbia. The flowers are permineralized with silicate and are found scattered through a matrix of black chert. Connection with vegetative parts has not been found. The flowers are small (about 2 mm in diameter) and pentamerous, with petals and sepals inserted alternately. Floral parts are fused to form a floral cup. Between 13 and 19 stamens with bilocular, dorsifixed anthers are inserted on the floral cup. The gynoecium consists of five free carpels, each containing two collateral, erect ovules. These features suggest affinities with the Rosaceae, specifically with the more primitive members of the tribes Maleae, Quillajeae, and Sorbarieae.