CYCADACEAE 595 



As regards female cones of the Cycadaceae, such 

 as are characteristic of the recent suborder Zamieae, 

 the fossil evidence is unsatisfactory. It is quite 

 probable that cones of this kind may occur in various 

 Mesozoic deposits, but, generally speaking, the state of 

 preservation of such specimens is so poor that it is im- 

 possible to distinguish them with any certainty from 

 Coniferous strobili of similar habit. 1 



We have already seen (Chapter XI. p. 493) that 

 fructifications, possibly referable to Cycadophyta, occur 

 even in the Permian beds, though their true affinity 

 is an open question. 



The recent genus Cycas differs entirely from other 

 members of the Order in the structure of the female 

 fructification. The carpels are among the most charac- 

 teristic of vegetable organs, and fossils resembling 

 them have been recorded from various Mesozoic strata. 

 In at least one case {Cycadospadix Hennoquei, Saporta, 

 from the Lower Lias) the carpel, fimbriated like that 

 of Cycas revoluta, has a seed still attached. 2 The 

 evidence for the existence of near allies of Cycas in 

 Mesozoic times so far seems strong, but, on the other 

 hand, much doubt has recently been cast on the 



1 Cf. Seward, Fossil Plants of Wealden, Part ii. p. 113. One of the 

 most perfect specimens attributed to the Zamieae is the Beania gracilis of 

 Carruthers ("On Beania, a New Genus of Cycadean Fruits from the York- 

 shire Oolites," Geol. Mag. vol. vi. 1869), which consists of an elongated 

 axis, bearing a number of peltate sporophylls, on each of which two seeds 

 are inserted. The sporophylls themselves agree closely with those of a 

 recent Zamia, but they are much more remote from each other than in 

 that genus. Professor Seward is inclined to regard Beania as more probably 

 belonging to Ginkgoaceae than to the Cycads. See Seward and Gowan, 

 " The Maidenhair Tree," Annals of Botany, vol. xiv. 1900. Also Seward, 

 Jurassic Flora, Part i. 1900, p. 272. 



2 See Saporta et Marion, Vhwlution du rigne vegetal, Les Phanirogames 

 t. i. p. ill, Fig. 59, A, 1885. 



39 



