Nehvizdy leaf (Nehvizdyella)

Nehvizdyella: Prehistoric Ginkgophyte Genus of the Upper Cretaceous

Fossil discoveries in Central Europe have revealed Nehvizdyella, a unique extinct seed plant closely related to modern ginkgos.

This prehistoric genus existed during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous epoch. Its remains were preserved in the Peruc-Korycany Formation of the Czech Republic.

Reconstructions indicate that these plants adapted to coastal environments. They represent the first evidence of halophytic ecology within the Ginkgophyta division.

Taxonomy

Morphology

The reproductive organs and vegetative parts of this genus exhibit distinct features that reconstruct a singular extinct plant. Fossil evidence suggests the plant was composed of multiple morphotaxa found in monodominant layers.

  • Seed Organs: These structures consist of a main axis and two short lateral branches, each terminating in a large cupula-like envelope that likely shares homology with the collar of modern ginkgos.
  • Ovules: Each cupula encloses an orthotropic ovule, which was fully enveloped by the cupula during early developmental stages except for the micropyle.
  • Foliage: The leaves associated with this genus are classified under the morphotype Eretmophyllum obtusum.
  • Shoots and Wood: Short shoots correspond to Pecinovicladus kvacekii, while the trunk wood is described as Ginkgoxylon cf. gruettii.
  • Pollen: Monosulcate pollen grains belonging to the Cycadopites type have been found in direct association with the seeds.

Interesting facts

The fossilized remains of this genus have provided paleobotanists with crucial ecological clues. These plants are believed to have inhabited ancient coastal salt marshes, making them the first confirmed halophytes among Ginkgophyta.

Furthermore, because the leaves, short shoots, wood, and seeds are found together in monodominant fossil beds, researchers could reconstruct the entire plant with high confidence despite these parts initially being classified as separate fossil genera.

Geography of distribution

  • Czech Republic

Sources

  • Zhou, Z. (2009). An overview of fossil Ginkgoales. Palaeoworld, 18(1), 1-22.
  • Taylor, T. N., Taylor, E. L., & Krings, M. (2009). Paleobotany: The Biology and Evolution of Fossil Plants. Academic Press.

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF