Abstract
Numerous rhizoliths were observed in aeolian Pleistocene sediments (ca. 80 ka) on the Ponta da São Lourenço Peninsula on eastern Madeira. Surface of some rhizoliths locally exhibit bulbous swellings which were identified as rhizobial root nodules. Based on palaeoenvironmental analysis and a comparison with other rhizoliths in the Macaronesian region, the arborescent species of Morella faya, domestic to the Madeira Island, is suggested as the source taxon for the rhizoliths. Actinorhizal fungi of the genus Frankia are considered to be responsible for creating the nodules. Tree rhizoliths also document the changes in climate and plant cover composition on Madeira. Their origin dates to a rather humid period dominated by partly continuous arborescent vegetation.
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