UPPER CRETACEOUS MAGNOLIACEOUS FRUIT FROM BRITISH-COLUMBIA

Litocarpon beardii is a multifolliculate fruit from the Upper Cretaceo us Haslam Formation (late Santonian-early Campanian) of British Columb ia. About 19 follicles are helically arranged on an elongate, slender receptacle. Follicles are winged with the wing extending beyond the lo cule. Placentation is parietal along the ventral suture, and dehiscenc e was along the dorsal suture. Seeds are also winged and were derived from anatropous ovules. Affinities with the Magnoliaceae are suggested with Litocarpon combining characters of Magnolia and Liriodendron.