Strychnos electri
Quick Summary
Strychnos electri is an extinct species of flowering plant identified from fossilized flowers preserved in amber. These fossils date back to the mid-Tertiary Period, approximately 15 to 30 million years ago.1
The discovery of S. electri is significant because it represents the oldest known asterid, a major lineage of flowering plants. This finding has provided valuable insights into the evolution and historical geographical distribution of angiosperms.1
The genus Strychnos itself includes about 190 species of tropical woody plants, many of which are trees. Some species within this genus are known for producing important drugs or poisons, such as strychnine and curare.1
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LoganiaceaeThe extinct species Strychnos electri, fossilized flowers of which were dated to the mid-Tertiary Period (between 15 million and 30 million years ago), represents the oldest known asterid (flowering plant lineage); its discovery in 2016 provided novel insight into the evolution of angiosperms.
Read MoreThe extinct species Strychnos electri, fossilized flowers of which were dated to the mid-Tertiary Period (between 15 million and 30 million years ago), represents the oldest known asterid (flowering plant lineage); its discovery in 2016 provided novel insight into the evolution of angiosperms.
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StrychnosThe extinct species S. electri, identified from flowers trapped in amber and dated to the mid-Tertiary Period (between 15 million and 30 million years ago), represents the oldest known asterid (flowering plant lineage); its discovery in 2016 provided significant insight into the evolution and geographical distribution of angiosperms.
Read MoreThe extinct species S. electri, identified from flowers trapped in amber and dated to the mid-Tertiary Period (between 15 million and 30 million years ago), represents the oldest known asterid (flowering plant lineage); its discovery in 2016 provided significant insight into the evolution and geographical distribution of angiosperms.
Read More