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.
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.
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.
External Databases: GBIF
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