Fossil infructescence from southwestern China reveals Paleogene establishment of Cladrastis in Asia

While a recent molecular phylogeographical study shows that, Cladrastis, small woody genus in the bean family (Leguminosae), may have been established Asia after middle to late Eocene, fossils of not previously documented Paleogene Asia. Here we report an infructescence and four fossil fruits Cladrastis from southeastern Yunnan, China, which described as new species, C. haominiae, this represents first record These are characterized by long stipe, acuminate or acute proximal/distal end, wide sutures, elliptical seed(s) nearly parallel forming angle axis fruit. Our finding supports establishment provides significant evidence for origin Yunnan biodiversity.