Sassafras
hesperia and Vitis sp.
Division:
Magnoliophyta; Class:
Magnoliopsida; Order: Laurales; Family: Lauraceae; Genus: Sassafras
Division:
Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Vitales; Family: Vitaceae;
Genus: Vitis
Geological
Time: Early Middle Eocene
Size: Sassafras:
43 mm by 58 mm Vitis: 35 mm by 48 mm
Fossil
Site: McAbee Fossil Beds, Tranquille Shale, Cache Creek, British Columbia,
Canada
 Description:
This plaque displays a pair of less common examples from the lacustrine
deposits of the McAbee Flora of the Eocene of British Columbia,
Canada with fine preservational details. The region was dominated
by a shallow lake. Plant matter which fell into the water was covered
with a fine layer of silt which built up over the years as a result
of deposition of diatoms which bloomed in the lake each spring and
died in the summer. This is a fine example of the preservation for
which this biota is known. The Sassafras is a member of the Lauraceae
or Laurel Family, while Vitis is a member of the Vitaceae or grapes.
As such is a most uncommon member of the flora. The deeper brown
color of the plant matter contrasts well with the lighter matrix,
bringing out the detail.
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