1.5" Carpolithus SP Seed, Leaf And Stems 66-56 Mil Yrs Old Paleocene Raton FM Colorado

Carpolithus is an extinct genus of fossil seeds in the Fabaceae family, commonly preserved in Paleocene sediments (66–56 million years ago). Las Animas County, in southeastern Colorado, is renowned for its rich Paleocene fossil deposits, which contain a diverse array of ancient plants and animals.

A notable study in Las Animas County focused on the identification and analysis of Carpolithus seeds to determine their taxonomic relationships and explore their use as paleoenvironmental indicators. Researchers examined the morphological and anatomical features of these seeds, comparing them to other species in the Fabaceae family.

The study found that the Carpolithus seeds closely resemble those of the modern Cassia genus, suggesting that Cassia or a related ancestor inhabited the region during the Paleocene. Furthermore, the presence of these seeds in certain sediment layers may indicate a wetter climate during that period, providing valuable insights into ancient ecosystems and Paleocene climate conditions.

These findings highlight the importance of Carpolithus fossil seeds for paleobotany, understanding Fabaceae evolution, and reconstructing prehistoric environments in Colorado.