Characters and homologies of ancient angiosperms as related to their origin

Abstract

Morphogenetics and interpretative morphology of ancient angiosperms, as evidenced by pollen and leaves from the Middle and Lower Cretaceous, are discussed. The similarity of pollen in Chloranthaceae and Austrobaileya shows a close relationship which confirms Meeuse's Anthocorm Theory. The general morphology of Monimiaceae and Piperaceae is investigated to find some morphological peculiarities of their organs concerning their phylogenetic ambiguity. The flowers of Monimiaceae resemble those of Whittleseya and the inflorescences of Piperales (Saururales) resemble some so-called teratologies in modern hybrids of certain Rosaceae. The lack of petals in Neviusia as well as certain inflorescences of Bennettitales needs consideration.