Proteaceae Leaf Fossils: Phylogeny, Diversity, Ecology and Austral Distributions
Date
2012
Authors
Carpenter, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
The Botanical Review, 2012; 78(3):261-287
Statement of Responsibility
Raymond J. Carpenter
Conference Name
Abstract
Foliar fossils of Proteaceae are reviewed, and useful specimens for interpreting evolution, and past and present distributions and environments are discussed. There are no definite Cretaceous occurrences. However, there is evidence of extant lineages dating from the Paleocene onwards, including tribe Persoonieae of subfamily Persoonioideae and each of the four tribes of subfamily Grevilleoideae. High diversity and abundance characterizes the Australian fossil record, including sclerophyllous and xeromorphic forms, but there is little evidence of the prominent extant subfamily Proteoideae. New Zealand had a much higher diversity of Proteaceae than at present, including Oligo-Miocene species of open vegetation. The South American leaf fossil record is not extensive. However, the fossil records of Embothrieae and Orites are consistent with the distributions of their extant relatives in South America and Australia being the result of vicariance. Overall, there is a need for more research on placing Proteaceae leaf fossils in a phylogenetic context.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
© The New York Botanical Garden 2012