Symplocos kowalewskii is an extinct species of flowering plant known through a single flower preserved in amber. It belongs to the genus Symplocos within the family Symplocaceae.[2]
| Symplocos kowalewskii Temporal range: Late Eocene[1]
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|---|---|
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| Holotype, BGR X4088 | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Symplocaceae |
| Genus: | Symplocos |
| Species: | †S. kowalewskii
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| Binomial name | |
| †Symplocos kowalewskii (Casp.) Sadowski et Hofmann[2]
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Description
editThe pentamerous flower of Symplocos kowalewskii is 25–28 mm wide. The corolla is fused basally, and the exterior surface bears trichomes. Most pollen grains are tricolporate.[2]
Taxonomy
editWithin the genus Symplocos it may be placed in the subgenus Symplocos.[2]
Ecology
editSymplocos kowalewskii is thought to have occurred in ancient forested habitats, possibly in addition to Quasisequoia swamps.[2] The extant, Asian relatives grow in montane, humid forests.[1]
Temporal range
editDistribution
editThe fossilized specimen originates from Baltic amber. It likely was found in the Samland Peninsula.[2]
Scientific significance
editThe preserved specimen is unusually large. It is about three times as big as the usual preserved flowers found in amber, and this makes the preserved Symplocos kowalewskii specimen unique, as it is the largest known preserved flower in amber. The rarity of such specimens may be explained by the physical properties of the tree sap. Also, it is thought that larger specimens do not stick well to the sap. This fossil can help reconstruct the ancient flora and climate.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b Tamisiea, Jack. "See the Largest Flower Ever Found Encased in Amber". Scientific American. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Sadowski, Eva-Maria; Hofmann, Christa-Charlotte (2023-01-12). "The largest amber-preserved flower revisited". Scientific Reports. 13 (1): 17. Bibcode:2023NatSR..13...17S. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-24549-z. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 9837116. PMID 36635320.
- ^ "Größte Blüte in Bernstein". Museum für Naturkunde (in German). Retrieved 2023-08-16.
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