Golden Valley Lotus (Nelumbo aureavallis)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Nelumbo aureavallis: Extinct Eocene Lotus from Golden Valley

Dating back to the Ypresian age of the Eocene epoch, Nelumbo aureavallis left fossilized remains in the Camels Butte member of the Golden Valley Formation in North Dakota. Dr. Leo J. Hickey described the species based on fossilized leaf specimens that date back millions of years.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ order Proteales (Protea order)
  • ∟ family Nelumbonaceae (Lotus family)
  • ∟ genus Nelumbo (Lotus genus)
  • ∟ species Nelumbo aureavallis (Golden Valley Lotus)

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Morphology

The fossilized leaves of Nelumbo aureavallis reach up to 40 millimeters in diameter and exhibit a smooth, slightly wavy margin. A centrally attached petiole serves as the radiating point for 35 to 40 thick primary veins that extend toward the outer edges, with each primary vein branching one to three times.

Transverse secondary veins connect these primaries, creating a distinct structural pattern that differentiates this taxon from ancient water lilies. Furthermore, fossil specimens include a nearby, unattached flower bud measuring approximately 2.2 by 1.2 centimeters that closely resembles modern lotus blossoms.

Interesting facts

The holotype and paratype specimens of Nelumbo aureavallis are preserved in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution. These fossils were meticulously studied and described in 1977 by the renowned paleobotanist Leo J. Hickey.

Geography of distribution

  • North Dakota, United States

Sources

  • Hickey, L.J. (1977) Stratigraphy and Paleobotany of the Golden Valley Formation
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • International Plant Names Index (IPNI)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF

See also

Sacred lotus

Sacred lotus

Nelumbo nucifera

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the sacred lotus, is an iconic aquatic perennial famous for …

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