PMC

A three-dimensionally preserved Cretaceous (Turonian) flower similar to modern Nymphaea (scanning electron micrograph by Jennifer Svitko).

(a) A typical morphology-based phylogeny of existing seed plants (plus the extinct Bennettitales) illustrating (in bold type) the anthophyte clade. (b) A composite phylogeny illustrating the realignment of Bennettitales and Gnetales based on ITS and new morphological data ().

(a) A reconstruction of Paleoclusia, a Cretaceous relative of modern Clusiaceae, a family closely associated with meliponine bee pollinators. (b) A reconstruction of an extinct (Cretaceous, Turonian) ericalean flower typical of a complex that includes several adaptations for pollination by derived anthophilous insects clawed petals and pollen in polyads. (Reconstructions by Michael Rothman.) (c) Appearance of floral innovations (●) during the Aptian (Ap)-Albian (Ab)-Cenomanian (C)-Turonian (T) interval vs. appearance of new floral characters/million years (○). (d) Angiosperm radiation in the Aptian–Turonian interval (based on ref. ; ○) vs. rate of appearance of new floral characters during the same interval (●).