Anatomically preserved plants from the Middle Eocene (Allenby Formation) of British Columbia

Abstract

Well preserved, permineralized plant material from the Middle Eocene, Allenby Formation of British Columbia provides the basis for this description of an extensive Tertiary flora. The flora comprises a diverse assemblage of abundant plant remains in a chert matrix which outcrops south of Princeton, B.C., Canada. Preliminary examination of this material reveals numerous fertile and vegetative organs of angiosperms, conifers, ferns, bryophytes, and fungi, most of which represent presently unknown taxa. Initial studies indicate that we are dealing with the most diverse Eocene permineralization flora ever discovered. Superb anatomical preservation, including developmental stages of various organs, characterize many of the taxa and promise to significantly increase our knowledge of early Tertiary plants.