Striped kauri (Agathis vittata)
Agathis vittata: Ancient Conifer of the Cainozoic Era
Known primarily from the fossil record, Agathis vittata vanished from the Earth millions of years ago, leaving behind traces in the Cainozoic sediments of south-eastern Australia.
First described scientifically in 2008, the species highlights the historical distribution and diversity of the genus Agathis. Its discovery helps paleontologists and botanists understand the climatic and ecological conditions of ancient Australian environments.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ superclass Gymnospermae
- ∟ division Pinophyta
- ∟ subclass Cupressidae
- ∟ order Araucariales (Southern pines and monkey-puzzles)
- ∟ family Araucariaceae (Araucaria family)
- ∟ genus Agathis (Kauri)
- ∟ species Agathis vittata (Striped kauri)
Morphology
Morphological understanding of Agathis vittata is based exclusively on preserved vegetative remains found in sedimentary rock. These macrofossils typically include leaf compressions that display characteristics typical of the Araucariaceae family.
Interesting facts
Fossil records of Agathis vittata provide crucial evidence of ancient rainforest ecosystems in Australia.
The presence of this species in Cainozoic deposits suggests a much wetter and warmer climate in the region during that geological epoch compared to modern conditions.
Geography of distribution
- Australia
Sources
- Hill, R.S., Lewis, T., Carpenter, R.J. & Whang, S.S. 2008. Agathis (Araucariaceae) macrofossils from Cainozoic sediments in south-eastern Australia.
- POWO
- WFO
Technical Information
External Databases: GBIF