species of Ephedra, originating from the same nodes with and 



between tin- larger branchlets. 



So far as I have been able to ascertain the only other record 

 of fossil Ephedra in the Tertiary of America is that of the pollen 

 species, Ephedra eocenipites which was described by the writer 

 (Wodehouse 1933) and found to be abundantly represented in 

 the Green River oil shales. In view of the fact that the Florissant 

 flora is a Miocene derivative of the Eocene Green River flora 

 and is characterized by many similar species, the finding of 



Fig. 2. Photograph of herbarium specimen of Ephedra nevadensis 

 S. Wats, at same magnification as Fig. 1. 



this fossil is of exceptional interest; and it rather certainly es- 

 tablishes the existence of Ephedra in America during the Ter- 

 tiary period. 



I am greatly indebted to the authorities of the New York 

 Botanical Garden for the opportunity to study this specimen, 

 and especially to the late Dr. Hollick for directing my attention 

 to it. He stated that he believed that the specimen would prove 



