Reconstructed leaf assemblages from the late Miocene of New Zealand contain key fossils of Mataoraphyllum miocenicus, an extinct species of the family Taxaceae. This taxon highlights the ancient biogeographical distribution of yew-like conifers in the Southern Hemisphere. Its discovery in the Coromandel Peninsula has provided vital clues about the regional paleoclimate during the Miocene epoch.
The description of Mataoraphyllum miocenicus relies heavily on fossilized foliage details that show unique taxaceous features. Paleobotanists identify the species by several key leaf characteristics:
Fossil assemblages on the Coromandel Peninsula provide a vivid window into New Zealand's botanical past. Several facts highlight the importance of this fossil species:
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