Banksieaeformis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banksieaeformis |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Subfamily: | Grevilleoideae |
| Tribe: | Banksieae |
| Genus: | †Banksieaeformis Hill & Christophel |
| Type species | |
| Banksieaeformis decurrens Hill & Christophel (1988)
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| Species | |
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See text |
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Banksieaeformis is a group of ancient plants that we only know about from their fossil leaves. These leaves look like they belong to the Proteaceae family, which includes plants like banksias and grevilleas. However, these fossil leaves don't quite fit into any living plant groups we know today.
Unlike some other fossil leaves, those from Banksieaeformis don't have their outer protective layer (called the cuticle) preserved. Scientists Bob Hill and David Christophel first described this group in 1988. They wanted a way to classify banksia-like leaves that had been preserved in a certain way.
Discovering Ancient Leaves
When scientists find fossils, they often name them. For Banksieaeformis, the first species described was Banksieaeformis decurrens. It's known from just one leaf! This leaf was found in rocks from the middle Eocene period (a very long time ago) at Maslin Bay in South Australia.
The leaf is about 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) long and 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) wide. The bottom half of the leaf has smooth edges. The top half has pointed lobes, which are like small, finger-like parts. This shape reminds scientists of some living banksia species, like the Banksia grandis. However, the overall shape of this fossil leaf doesn't quite match any living plant.
More Fossil Finds
Another species, Banksieaeformis dentatus, was found in Tasmania. These leaves are about 6 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide. They have jagged or "serrated" edges, much like the leaves of the living Banksia serrata (Saw Banksia) or Banksia burdettii.
In 2001, more Banksieaeformis species were discovered in Central Australia by researchers David Greenwood, Peter Haines, and David Steart.
- Banksieaeformis serratus was found near Alice Springs. Its leaves also look similar to the living Banksia serrata.
- Banksieaeformis langii was found at three different places in South Australia. These leaves are long and narrow, at least 8.5 centimeters long, with lobes. They look a bit like Banksia formosa.
- Banksieaeformis praegrandis, also from South Australia, has large leaves with long, widely spaced lobes. These remind scientists of the Banksia chamaephyton (Fishbone Banksia).
These fossil discoveries help us understand how plants like banksias have changed and evolved over millions of years!
