Metasequoia
occidentalis (Dawn Redwood)
Division:
Pinophyta (conifers),
Class Pinopsida, Order Pinales, Family Cupressaceae
Geological
Time: Early Middle Eocene
Size (25.4
mm = 1 inch): Metasequoia: 78 mm by 40 mm
Fossil
Site: McAbee Fossil Beds, Tranquille Shale, Cache Creek, British Columbia,
Canada
 Description:
This plaque displays a nice example of a complete frond of a tree
from the lacustrine deposits of the McAbee Flora of the Eocene of
British Columbia, Canada with fine preservational details. The region
was dominated by a shallow lake. Plant matter which fell into the
water was covered with a fine layer of silt which built up over
the years as a result of deposition of diatoms which bloomed in
the lake each spring and died in the summer. This is a fine example
of the preservation for which this biota is known. The Dawn Redwood
(Metasequoia) is a genus that was first discovered in Korea over
60 years ago. The first living specimens were discovered in central
China in 1944. The flora was dominated by conifers farther away
from the lake, and elm, birch, beech, and alder near to the lakeshore.
Also
see: Living Fossils
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