Subtropical relicts in the Pliocene flora of Brunssum (The Netherlands)

Abstract

Macroscopical remains of the following genera in the Early Pliocene flora found near Brunssum (The Netherlands) are described: Calamus, Hartia, Spirematospermum, Symplocos, Toddalia, Trigonobalanus, Turpinia. These genera have a subtropical character; their recent representatives occur in evergreen subtropical and tropical montane forests. Only two of them have been found in other Early pliocene deposits in Europe, but all of them have been recorded in Miocene beds in this area. The relict character of part of the Brunssum flora is discussed in relation to palaeogeographic and climatic factors. Of special interest is a comparison with a living assemblage associated with Trigonobalanus in the Andean forest of Colombia (South America).