A palm fossil closely related to Chamaerops humilis L. from the Lower Miocene of Sardinia

Abstract

This paper deals with the anatomical and histological study of a silicified specimen of a palm consisting of a part of the trunk surrounded by roots. The sample comes from the Lower Miocene of North West Sardinia. The comparison with fossil species and exsting species leads to the conclusion that the specimen belongs to a new fossil species closely related to Chamaerops humilis L., widespread throughout the Mediterranean area. Paleo-environmental considerations confirm the presence in Sardinia, in the epoch in question, of formations of Mediterranean forest corresponding in part to forest existing in North Africa today.