Gouania miocenica sp. nov. (Rhamnaceae), a Miocene fossil from Chiapas, México and paleobiological involvement

Abstract

Six flowers preserved in Early Miocene amber from Simojovel, Chiapas were identified as members of the family Rhamnaceae. The flowers were designated as Gouania miocenica sp. nov. based on the following characteristics: small size, pentamerous, triangular sepals and cucullate petals, unguiculate at the base and rounded at the apex, enfolding the stamens, stamens alternating with the sepals (obhaplostemonous), anthers basifixed, and ovary inferior. The flowers described in this work represent a new record for the family Rhamnaceae during the Early Miocene, expanding the fossil record of the South of Mexico, and North America in general.