Vaucansoni

Vaucansoni is a genus of extinct plants belonging to the order Acerales. These plants are known from fossilized remains found primarily in the fossiliferous deposits of the Eocene epoch. The most notable characteristic of Vaucansoni is its distinctive seed structure, which has led to its classification. These seeds typically exhibit a flattened, wing-like appendage, likely an adaptation for wind dispersal.

Fossils of Vaucansoni have been discovered in various locations around the world, suggesting a relatively widespread distribution during the Eocene. The paleoenvironment in which these plants thrived was generally warm and humid, often associated with ancient lake basins and river systems. The preserved foliage, when found, often displays lobed leaves, though these are not always present or well-preserved in the fossil record.

The taxonomic placement of Vaucansoni within Acerales, a group that includes modern maples and box elders, is based on comparative morphology of the reproductive structures. While direct ancestors are difficult to ascertain with certainty, Vaucansoni offers insights into the evolutionary history and diversity of this plant lineage. The study of Vaucansoni contributes to our understanding of Eocene flora and the broader ecological conditions of that geological period.