XVI International Botanical Congess

The late Early Cretaceous brazilian Santana Formation has been studied for many decades because of its fossil richness, especially in fishes and reptiles. Lithographic limestone of the Crato Member, most probably of late Aptian age , contains beautifully preserved insects and plant fossils. A large variety of plant remains, among them ferns (Schizaeaceae), seed ferns, conifers (Cheirolepidiaceae, Podocarpaceae), cycads, gnetales, and angiosperms occur. Gnetales, which were formerly mainly by a variety of pollen, are very common and exhibit inflorescences. Among the angiosperms remains, leaves fruits, twigs with leaves, and flowers still attached, even whole plants including roots, are found. The majority of these plants seem to belong to waterplants, partly perhaps to monocots. Ne plant with small whorled leaves and sever al complete fruits might b close to the Hydrocharitaceae. Dicots are also present. Plants with orbicular leaves might belong to the Gunneraceae. A small twig with leaves and sever al flowers shows features which occur in extant Magnoliideae, in particular Magnoliaceae, Calycanthaceae, and Ranunculaceae.