Filling the gaps in the Neogene plant fossil record of eastern North America: New data from the Pliocene of Alabama

Abstract

Nine angiosperm taxa are described, based on megafossils from the Citronelle Formation of Alabama, that are significant in either clarifying previous identifications, or in providing the first records of their kind in the North American Pliocene. Liquidambar styraciflua is identified from leaves. Stones are attributed to Cornus sp. and Nyssa aquatica. Although Nyssa stones from the Citronelle Formation were originally described as N. aquaticaformis and later attributed to N. ogeche, the new fossil specimens and a leaf indicate affinity with extant N. aquatica. Fruits of Cyrilla racemiflora are the first North American fossil record of the Cyrillaceae. An endocarp and leaf are attributed to Cocculus. Populus deltoides is represented by two leaves, and a partial leaf is attributed to Gordonia. Planera aquatica was previously identified from the Citronelle Formation from leaves, and a new fossil fruit supports this record. Leaves and a seed provide the first Neogene record of Vitus rotundifolia. The presence of numerous extant taxa suggests climatic conditions similar to those of the region today. However, other recent finds from the Citronelle Formation and fossil localities in Florida and Tennessee indicate that a considerable number of “exotic” taxa persisted into the Pliocene of southeastern North America.