Iraniales †
Obscure gymnosperms from the Late Triassic
The Iraniales were established in 1977 by Schweitzer for a group of gymnosperms found from the Late Triassic of Iran. The reproductive structures contained male and female portions. The male structures were more proximal and catkin-like. The ovulate structures were on distal branches, appearing flattened and as heart-shaped capsules. The reproductive structures are similar to Leptostrobus and the leaves are similar to Desmiophyllum, possibly indciating affinities with the Czekanowskiales.
Ecology & Form
Stems
Unknown
Leaves
Desmiophyllum-type foliage (i.e. elongate leaves with parallel venation) is found in the same rocks and may be connected
Reproduction
Seed plants that may have affinities with Czekanowskiales
Reproductive structures were called "flowers" and they were structurally "perfect" (male and female in same structure)
Pollen-producing structures
Axis bearing helically-arranged clusters of microsporangia appearing catkin-like
Pollen is unknown
Ovulate structures
Secondary axes that dichotomized to produce two flattened, heart-shaped "capsules"
There is a ridge of delicate tissue along the ridge of these capsules
These structures may have similarities to Leptostrobus (in the Czekanowskiales)
Geologic Age
Classification
└Iraniales †
Above: Reconstruction of Irania hermaphroditica
Above: Desmiophyllum foliage