| The Gnetales is a group of plants of which the systematic place
is still not certain. Generally it can be said that this order finds a place
between the conifers and the flowering plants (angiosperms). There are three
extant genera: Ephedra, Gnetum and Welwitschia.
|
 Desmiophyllum gothanii
is the name of ribbon-shaped leaves with closely spaced, parallel veins. The leaves were attached in couples to the stem. They are often found in great numbers. The width of the leaves is very variable. The male fructification of this plant is also known: see below. |
 Piroconites
kuespertii is a part of the male fructification of Desmiophyllum. It is a rather large scale (up to 10 cm) which at one side is covered with ‘synangia’, existing of three fused sporangia. We have found several of these scales. |
 Bernettia
inopinata looks a bit like a small fir cone. It is not unlikely that this is the female fructification of Desmiophyllum.
|
 Chlamydolepis
lautneri is a kind of bract, belonging to both Piroconites and Bernettia. In most cases it is found detached. It can be up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide, but mostly it is smaller. |