Graminids from Eocene Baltic amber

We report the first bona fide graminid spikelet inclusions found in Eocene Baltic amber. The most informative anatomically preserved specimen is assigned to the genus Rhynchospora Vahl (Cyperaceae), whereas two others show affinities with sedges (Cyperaceae) or grasses (Poaceae). Examination of historic descriptions of putative graminid inclusions from Baltic amber suggests that one is of coniferous origin, while the affinities of the other fragmentary specimens remain uncertain as they have been lost. The graminid inclusions described here challenge previous notions of the Baltic amber source area being a dark, close canopy forest and rather indicate at least some open and light habitats with swampy and wet areas within the 'Baltic amber forest', and thus enlighten its hitherto obscure palaeoenvironment and floristic composition.