MALADENODISCUS ACANTHINUS, A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF FOSSIL FLOWER IN BALTIC AMBER

摘要

A post-anthesis fossil flower in Eocene Baltic amber is described as Maladenodiscus acanthinus gen. et sp. nov., a dicotyledon of uncertain taxonomic affinity. Its distinctive floral characteristics include a calyx of 4 revolute sepals that are connate for about half their length, a prominent, tuberculate, glandular and probably nectariferous disc on the calyx cup, and a single superior ovary with numerous spinose projections. A ring of filament scars at the base of the pistil indicates the earlier presence of ca. 40 stamens, but petals were probably lacking. It is unclear to what modern plant family the fossil should be assigned.