rustomallia

Rustomallia is a genus of extinct plants belonging to the order Oleales. Fossil evidence suggests these plants existed during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 to 80 million years ago. The genus is primarily known from fossilized leaves and reproductive structures found in sedimentary rock formations. These fossils indicate that Rustomallia plants had broad, ovate leaves with a distinct venation pattern.

The most significant discoveries pertaining to Rustomallia have been made in North America, particularly in regions that were once part of the Western Interior Seaway. The fossilized remains are often found in association with other flora from that era, providing insights into the ancient ecosystems in which Rustomallia thrived. The paleobotanical analysis of these fossils suggests that Rustomallia was likely an understory plant, possibly growing in moist, temperate environments.

While the exact phylogenetic placement of Rustomallia within the Oleales order has been a subject of ongoing research, its characteristics align with the general morphology observed in modern olive relatives. The limited fossil record means that many aspects of Rustomallia's biology, such as its life cycle, specific habitat preferences, and ecological role, remain areas for further investigation. The study of Rustomallia contributes to our understanding of plant evolution and the diversification of flowering plants during the Mesozoic Era.