Nemulumirea

Nemulumirea is a genus of extinct flowering plants known from fossil material dating to the middle to late Eocene. It is monotypic, represented by the species Nemulumirea silvatica. Fossils have been found in sedimentary deposits across parts of Europe and western Asia. The plant is inferred to have been a small to mid-sized shrub that grew in dappled forest understories. Reconstructed morphology from leaf impressions and limited reproductive organs suggests simple, alternate leaves with smooth margins and small pentamerous flowers. The flowers show five petals fused at the base in some impressions, with a central ovary and multiple stamens. The fruit is interpreted as a dry capsule.

Ecology and distribution: Nemulumirea likely occupied temperate forest understories with a reliance on insect pollination, possibly bees or flies. Seed dispersal is presumed to be local, via gravity or small animals.

Taxonomy and phylogeny: Nemulumirea is placed in the provisional family Nemulaceae within the order Ranunculales in most reconstructions, but its exact affinity to living lineages remains uncertain due to fragmentary material. Some analyses consider it near the base of the ranunculid clade.

Etymology: The genus name combines Latin nemus, meaning grove or woodland, with mira, meaning wonderful, referring to its woodland habitat and distinctive features.