Leaves are generally preserved where physico-chemical conditions have retarded bacterial colonization and internal degradation of cell tissues. Large quantities of fragmented leaf material is then mixed with more resistant plant parts. The diversity of the living vegetation around Boatyard Lake is low to moderate. Subaerial litter degrades quickly with only the most resistant and woody sclerenchymatous parts recoverable from the subsurface. Fluctuations in water table and the introduction of oxygenated waters provides little opportunity for non-resistant plant part preservation.
Similar data exist for fossil examples.
Bedded leaves do occur in the subsurface and there is woody crown detritus recoverable. The abundance and types of plant remains in lakes is a function of the distance and mode of transportation, as well as the biological and mechanical degradation operating within the system at the time of transport and burial. The arboreal component growing near the lakeside may be under-represented. This under-representation of lakeside vegetation seems to be restricted to those plants that dominate the community. There are exceptions.