Bennettitales

Plants with cycad-like form; flower-like reproduction

The Bennettitaleans are a seed-bearing, cycad-like group from the Mesozoic Era. They were originally mistaken for cycads because of their growth form, but their reproductive structures and stomatal structure make them more related to flowering plants. There are two groups: the cycadeoids (stout trunks and bisporangiate reproductive structures), and Williamsonia and Williamsoniella (slender, branching trunks and either bisporangiate or monosporangiate strobili). These reproductive structures are quite flower-like: sterile petal-like bracts, with a whorl of microsporophylls, with ovulate receptacle in the center.

Ecology & Form

Stems

Leaves

Roots

Reproductive Structures

Classification

Embryophytes 

   └Tracheophytes

      └Euphyllophytes

         └Lignophytes

            └Spermatophytes

               └Bennettitales

Geologic Age

Additional Resources