Flavonoid and Other Chemical Constituents of Fossil Miocene Celtis and Ulmus (Succor Creek Flora)

Abstract

Organic solvent extractions of green-colored fossil Celtis sp. and Ulmus sp. leaves (36 to 25 x 10⁶ years old) indicate the preservation of quercetin-3-O-glycosides, apigenin and luteolin carbon glycosides, methyl pheophorbide a, and a consortium of other organic constituents. Comparisons between referable fossil and extant taxa indicate a high level of phytochemical fidelity. The preservation of O-glycosides indicates a mild postdepositional environment during fossilization.