Mastixia parva
Mastixia parva
Summary
Mastixia parva was an early Eocene member of Mastixiaceae known from a small, hard, one-seeded fruit stone. The endocarp protected the developing seed and included a long germination valve through which the seedling could emerge. No attached leaves or stems are known, so the size and growth form of the parent plant cannot be reconstructed from the fruit alone.
The species is important because it records Mastixia in the London Clay flora at an early stage in the history of the lineage. Its internal structure is especially informative: the seed cavity curves around a deep dorsal infold, giving it a distinctive C-shaped cross-section. These features are better preserved internally than the often weathered outer surface.
Quick Identification
Look for: a small, relatively smooth one-seeded fruit stone about 7–10 mm long, with only a few shallow longitudinal furrows and a median dorsal groove; CT or sectioned material shows a deep dorsal infold and a C-shaped seed cavity.
Diagnostic Features
- Endocarp is small, about 7–10 mm long, and unilocular with a single seed cavity.
- External surface is relatively smooth, with only a few shallow longitudinal furrows.
- A median dorsal groove corresponds internally to a deep dorsal infold.
- The locule is distinctly C-shaped in transverse section.
- A large elongate germination valve extends along the dorsal side of the endocarp.
Fossil Details
Similar Species
Recorded Fossil Sites
No fossil-site occurrences have yet been recorded for this species.
References
- Steven R. Manchester; Margaret E. Collinson. (2022). Mastixioid fruits (Cornales) from the early Eocene London Clay Flora: morphology, anatomy and nomenclatural revision. Fossil Imprint, 78(1), 310–328 View reference