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

└Embryophytes

└Tracheophytes

└Euphyllophytes

└Lignophytes

└Spermatophytes

└Iraniales †

Above: Reconstruction of Irania hermaphroditica

Above: Desmiophyllum foliage