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Evolution of the glossopterid gymnosperms from Permian Gondwana

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Abstract

Our understanding of the glossopterid gymnosperms from the Permian of Gondwana has recently been greatly enhanced through the study of anatomically preserved plant remains in cherts from several localities in Australia and Antarctica. Studies ofGlossopteris leaves, leaf-stem attachment, stem structure and wood anatomy,Vertebraria roots, ovule- and pollen-bearing reproductive structures and putative glossopterid pollen and ovules demonstrate that the glossopterids were a diverse group of sophisticated gymnosperms. Comparative studies of different Permian chert floras show that while some glossopterid elements are widespread, other taxa appear to be more localized in their distribution. As information from petrified plant-bearing cherts becomes available, it can be used to reconstruct whole glossopterid plants and establish their paleogeographic distribution.

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  1. Department of Botany, Arizona State University, Box 871601, 85287-1601, Tempe, AZ, USA

    Kathleen B. Pigg

  2. Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, 45701, Athens, OH, USA

    Mary L. Trivett

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Pigg, K.B., Trivett, M.L. Evolution of the glossopterid gymnosperms from Permian Gondwana. J. Plant Res. 107, 461–477 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02344068

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