Review of the bennettitalean genus Weltrichia

Abstract

The bennettitalean male reproductive structure Weltrichia Braun 1849 emend. Harris 1969 (Family Williamsoniaceae) is discussed from several points of view, including anatomy and morphology, species diversity and validity, phytogeographical and stratigraphical distribution, and reproduction strategy. A very rare fossil, genus Weltrichia includes 25 valid species distributed in both hemispheres during Triassic and Jurassic times. This contribution critically reviews the systematics of the entire genus, together with its stratigraphical and palaeophytogeographical significance.