Abstract

AbstractHexagyne philippiana gen. et sp. nov. represents the first macrofossil piperalean taxon from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian). The fossil material from northern Gondwana consists of a twig with well‐preserved leaves and a characteristic venation pattern plus a twig with attached leaves and several flowers combined in a raceme. The new taxon shares many characters, such as leaf shape and venation pattern, as well as flower morphology, including a clearly developed perianth and six fused carpels, with extant Aristolochiaceae (sensu lato) and/or related clades. Representatives of Aristolochiaceae grow today in Laurasia. The Early Cretaceous finds in South America (Brazil) may indicate a Gondwanan origin of this group. Based on its morphology, Hexagyne gen. nov. might have had an ecology of an understory plant in a shaded environment.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.