••^KCT. II 



PHANEROGAMIA 



54? 



the cliaractcrs of Ferns and Gymuosperms, the flowers of the niesozoic 

 Bennctliks or Cycadeoidca show a eoiubination of characters of Angiosperms, 

 Gymnosperms, and Ferns. 



Fig. 514 a.— Reconstruction of the longitudinal section of the flower of Cycadeoidca ingens. 



(Prom Scott after Wieland.) 



True Araucarieae also appear in tlie Jurassic ; 

 on this account, as well as on account of their 

 organisation, this group may be regarded as the 

 oldest of the existing Coni ferae. In the Wealden 

 Cycadineae and Ginkgoineae along witli some 

 Coniferae were dominant among the Gymno- 

 sperms. On passing to the Cretaceous strata the 

 ancient types are found to be reduced, while 

 the Coniferae become more numerous. Among the 

 latter existing genera appear {Dammara, Sequoia, 

 Pinus, Cedrus, Abies, CalUtris, etc.). TheTaxaceae 

 also appear to be represented, but the remains are 

 of uncertain affinity. 



The Tertiary Gymnosperms belong entirely to 

 existing types and for the most part to existing 

 species. The Coniferae are dominant ; the Gink- 

 goineae are represented only by Ginkgo hiloha, but 

 this occurred in Europe along with other species 

 now limited to Eastern Asia or North America 

 {CryjUomeria japonica, Taxodium distichum, T. 

 hcleroj)hyllmn, Sequoia gigantca, S. sempervirens, 

 Pinus Strohus, etc.). One Cycadaceous plant [Encephalartus) is also known 



Fig. 514 b. — Longitudinal section 

 of a fruit of Bennett ites Gibson- 

 ianiis. (After Scott.) 



