These fossil leaves are actually leaf compressions and represent the original leaf as it was buried in Tertiary sediments or volcanic matrices. The leaves are green or autumnal red or brown in color and retain a highly organized internal anatomical and ultrastructural integrity despite their geological age of some 20-17 million years before present. Flavonoids were found to be preserved in these compressions and could be compared with flavonoid complements of putatively related extant taxa. Since cellular preservation of the leaf compressions was excellent it was felt that other constituents such as DNA might also be preserved in these fossil taxa. Numerical analyses confirm that identity of the fossil as a Miocene Magnolia species.
Further studies are now in progress.
The current systematics program also includes an M.S. program in floristic surveys of natural areas in Georgia as part of the ongoing catalogue of the flora of Georgia. The program also includes projects on threatened and endangered plant species, several in cooperation with the Georgia Natural Conservancy. Successful students are prepared for careers in consultant work in environmental impact studies and threatened and endangered plant surveys for commercial companies, government agencies and individual private businesses. Students completing the program are qualified to carry out independent work in this area. Coursework in herbarium and collections management is also available for those who wish to pursue careers in research in museums, botanical gardens and other research collections.