Leaf whorls of Cupressaceae from the Miocene Fasterholt flora, Denmark

Leaf whorls referred to the fossil species Hellia salicornioides are found together with fruits, seeds and megaspores from the Middle Miocene Fasterholt flora, Jylland, Denmark. The external and internal morphology together with the epidermal structure have been investigated using the light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The well-preserved fossil specimens afford increased knowledge of the anatomy of this plant. Living species of Cupressaceae have been studied. Although He Hellia salicornioides cannot be referred to any living genus the investigation clearly indicates that the fossil species may be placed in the family Cupressaceae, closely related to Tetraclinis articulata.