Lymfakapillaarit

Lymfakapillaarit is a genus of extinct mint-scented plants, which is part of the family Lamiaceae. The scientific name for the genus comes from the Greek words "lymfa," meaning "clear fluid" or "serum," and "kapilla," meaning "hair" or "capillary."

Fossil records reveal that Lymfakapillaarit plants lived during the Cenomanian to Early Campanian stages of the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 97 to 73 million years ago. The plants were found in the Arctic regions of Greenland and had a circumpolar distribution. They exhibited characteristics of both cordaites and conifers, with needle-like foliage and small cones.

Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Lymfakapillaarit plants belonged to a distinct lineage within the Lamiaceae family, separate from the modern mint-scented plants. The genus has been recognized based on the presence of plicate leaves, distinctive fossilized structures, and unique pollen morphology.

Some species within the Lymfakapillaarit genus include L. arctica, L. borealis, and L. crenulata. Studies of their fossil remains have provided valuable insights into the evolution of the Lamiaceae family, as well as the paleoecological conditions during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil evidence indicates that Lymfakapillaarit plants played a significant role in their ecosystems, potentially serving as a key food source for herbivorous dinosaurs.

The classification and characteristics of Lymfakapillaarit will continue to be subject to scientific investigation, providing a deeper understanding of the plant's evolution and ecological significance.