XVI International Botanical Congess

The Paleocene Almont, North Dakota fossil locality has a diverse assemblage of leaves, fruits, stems, inflorescences, and pollen. To date, 30 species have been recognized based on fruits and seeds, six based on inflorescences and flowers, and 24 from leaves. A recent study of dispersed pollen from the same locality has revealed 15-18 morphotypes. Some match those known from catkins at the same site (Coryloideae, Hamamelidaceae). The full extent of taxonomic overlap between the megafossils and pollen remains unknown, but at least two additional families are present in the pollen flora: Buxaceae (Erdtmanipollis sp.) and Pinaceae (Pinus sp.). This work provides a more complete picture of the taxonomic diversity represented in this exceptionally well preserved Paleocene North American flora.