“Affenhaar” revisited — Facies context of in situ preserved latex from the Middle Eocene of Central Germany

In situ preserved latex (“Affenhaar”) has long been known from some of the Middle Eocene lignites of Central Germany. Now, for the first time, the occurrence of bark with latex canals still in situ has been studied in detail in the former mining area of the Geiseltal. Affenhaar is found in both massive matrix-dominated lignites and interbedded clastics, representing sub-autochthonous and reworked material, respectively. Palynological studies of Affenhaar-bearing sections reveal a highly diverse assemblage of spores and pollen, but none of the pollen taxa is obviously correlated to the occurrence of Affenhaar. A significant herbaceous component has been recognized in the pollen record in addition to those taxa mainly derived from trees.