Traditional and computed tomographic (CT) techniques link modern and Cenozoic fruits of Pleiogynium (Anacardiaceae) from Australia

A groundbreaking study links modern and Cenozoic fruits of the genus Pleiogynium (Anacardiaceae) from Australia, revealing their presence in rainforest communities during the Oligocene–Miocene periods. Using computed tomography (CT) and traditional techniques, researchers identified phosphatized fruits from Riversleigh and silicified fruits from Glencoe as belonging to Pleiogynium, with two new species described: P. wannanii and P. parvum. These findings suggest that rainforest ecosystems thrived in these regions millions of years ago, providing insights into ancient biodiversity. Additionally, the study challenges the classification of a previously described fossil fruit from Germany, highlighting significant differences in morphology.

Rozefelds, A., Dettmann, M., Clifford, T., Hocknull, S., Newman, N., Godthelp, H., Hand, S., & Archer, M. (2014). Traditional and computed tomographic (CT) techniques link modern and Cenozoic fruits of Pleiogynium (Anacardiaceae) from Australia. Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, 39(1), 24–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2014.951916