PAST HISTORIES OF PLANT FAMILIES 



105 



cones from the American plants further structures are 

 found attached. Below the main axis of the seed-bear- 

 ing part of the cone was a series of large complex leaf- 

 like structures closely resembling fern leaves in their 

 much-divided nature. On the pinnae of these leaves 

 were crowded innumerable large sporangia, similar to 



Br 



Fig. 72. Diagram of Complete Cone of Bennettites 



A, Central axis of conical shape terminating in the seed-bearing cone s. (After 

 Wieland), and bearing successively Br., bracts, comparable with floral leaves; M, large 

 complex leaves with pollen sacs. 



those of a fern, which provided the pollen grains. The 

 fossils are particularly well preserved, and have been 

 found with these male (pollen-bearing) organs in the 

 young unopened stages, and also in the mature unfolded 

 condition, as well as the ripening seed cones from which 

 they have faded, just as the stamens fade from a flower 

 when the seeds enlarge. 



