Neogene Myrtaceae fossil woods from the Ituzaingó Formation, Paraná Basin, northeastern Argentina: Anatomical, systematic and palaeoenvironmental insights

What is it about?

The Myrtaceae family of plants, which includes many species of trees and shrubs, is mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Australia and South America. This study focuses on two fossil woods from this plant family discovered in the Ituzaingó Formation in northeastern Argentina. These fossils date back to the Late Miocene period. We carefully examined the preserved structures of these fossils. We identified two species: a new species named Uruguaianoxylon ragoneseae and another closely related to an existing fossil species, Uruguaianoxylon aff. striata. The detailed study of these fossils helps us understand how these plants evolved and spread over time. It suggests that these plant species once grew in areas that were either humid or had a mix of wet and dry seasons. These findings provide new insights into the ancient ecosystems of South America and highlight how much the climate and environment have changed since the Miocene period. This research is important because it shows the adaptability of the Myrtaceae family to different moisture conditions, contributing to our knowledge of plant evolution and historical climate change.

Featured Image