Tigre ginkgoite (Ginkgoites tigrensis)

Ginkgoites tigrensis - Cretaceous Fossil Ginkgophyte Profile

Fossilized remains of Ginkgoites tigrensis offer a fascinating glimpse into the Cretaceous flora of Patagonia. These prehistoric leaf impressions reveal the wide geographical distribution of the ginkgo lineage during the Mesozoic era. Researchers study these specimens to reconstruct ancient climates and ecosystems of the southern hemisphere.

Taxonomy

Morphology

The leaves of this fossil species exhibit a classic flabelliform, or fan-shaped, lamina. The leaf margin is typically divided into distinct lobes, which is a characteristic feature of the genus. Dichotomous venation runs throughout the leaf surface, supplying structure to the ancient photosynthetic tissue.

Microscopic analysis of the fossilized cuticle reveals the arrangement of stomata and epidermal cells. These structural details indicate adaptation to specific environmental conditions, including atmospheric carbon dioxide levels of the Cretaceous period.

Interesting facts

  • The species name tigrensis refers to the Bajo Tigre locality in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina, where key specimens were unearthed.
  • These fossils show that ginkgophytes once thrived in regions of South America that are now characterized by vast, dry steppes.
  • Anatomical comparisons with the modern Ginkgo biloba suggest that the basic leaf architecture of this lineage has remained remarkably stable for over a hundred million years.

Geography of distribution

  • Argentina

Sources

  • GBIF Secretariat (2026). Ginkgoites tigrensis database entry.
  • Paleobiology Database (PBDB) records for fossil gymnosperms.

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF