A re-investigation of Nothofagus muelleri (Ett.) Paterson and Cinnamomum nuytsii Ett. from the Late Eocene of Vegetable Creek

Abstract

Two species described by Ettingshausen (1888) from Vegetable Creek, Nothofagus muelleri and Cinnamomum nuytsii, are re-investigated, including an analysis of the cuticular morphology. It is concluded that four Fagus species proposed by Ettingshausen represent only one valid species. The name selected for this species is Nothofagus muelleri, based on the fact that it is the only species containing specimens with organic preservation. It is recommended that the fossil species Fagus celastrifolia, F. hookeri and F. benthami be regarded as synonyms of N. muelleri. N. muelleri has strong affinities with the extant species N. moorei and N. cunninghamii and the fossil species N. tasmanica and N. johnstonii. Cinnamomum nuytsii clearly belongs to the family Lauraceae, but the affinity with the genus Cinnamomum cannot be substantiated. Therefore it is proposed that this species be transferred to the organ genus Laurophyllum. The confirmation of Nothfagus leaves in the Vegetable Creek flora provides the first macrofossil evidence for cool temperate elements in Eocene vegetation on mainland Australia.