Fossil Lauraceae and Proteaceae from the Longford Formation, Murchison, New Zealand

Abstract

Seven species of fossil lauraceous leaves from the Longford Formation (Mid to Upper Miocene), Murchison, southeast Nelson, are described. Of these, Beilschmiedia tarairoides Pens. is also known from the late Eocene to early Oligocene coal measures of the Waikato; Cinnamomum miocenicum, Cryptocarya tutakiae, C. longfordiensis, C. murchisoniensis and Litsea dawsoniana are new. Three species of proteaceous leaves are also described. Knightia oblonga Oliver was described from Upper Miocene beds at Kaikorai, Dunedin. Kermadecia merytifolia and Longfordia banksiaifolia are new species, and Longfordia is a new genus.