Fossil Myrtaceae from the Early Miocene of southern New Zealand

Seven parataxa of Myrtaceae leaf cuticle and one associated leaf are described from Early Miocene sediments of the Manuherikia Group, Central Otago, and the Gore Lignite Measures of Southland. These include two or perhaps three species of Syzygium as well as Metrosideros, possibly the extant New Zealand M. diffusa. The most widespread species is a Syzygium, which appears to have dominated low-diversity vegetation of which the conifer Retrophyllum was also a part. Capsules of Metrosideros subgenus Mearnsia are also illustrated.