FOSSIL MELASTOMATACEAE FROM THE UPPER CRETACEOUS OF NEW JERSEY

Abstract

Melastomataceae is one of the most important plant families in the pantropical areas. Recently, some Melastomataceae fossils were discovered in the Old Crossman Clay Pit locality in Sayreville, New Jersey. The fossils were charcoalified with preserved three-dimensional morphology and excellent anatomical details. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed the fossils belonged to the group of early-diverging Melastomataceae. The location of this fossil taxon in present day northern New Jersey has implications for the paleobiogeography of the family.