Synchrotron X-ray imaging of a dichasium cupule of Castanopsis from Eocene Baltic amber.

The partial female inflorescence reported here provides an important addition to acorns of Castanopsis described from middle Eocene strata of Europe. Furthermore, the intercontinental distribution of Castanopsis in the Eocene is confirmed. The amber fossil also broadens the picture of the Baltic amber source area, indicating oligotrophic, sandy, bog-like habitats. Finally, this study underscores the great benefit of SRμCT as a powerful tool to investigate plant inclusions from amber in a nondestructive way.