Evolution of the glossopterid gymnosperms from Permian Gondwana

Our understanding of the glossopterid gymnosperms from the Permian of Gondwana has recently been greatly enhanced through the study of anatomically preserved plant remains in cherts from several localities in Australia and Antarctica. Studies of Glossopteris leaves, leaf-stem attachment, stem structure and wood anatomy, Vertebraria roots, ovule- and pollen-bearing reproductive structures and putative glossopterid pollen and ovules demonstrate that the glossopterids were a diverse group of sophisticated gymnosperms. Comparative studies of different Permian chert floras show that while some glossopterid elements are widespread, other taxa appear to be more localized in their distribution. As information from petrified plant-bearing cherts becomes available, it can be used to reconstruct whole glossopterid plants and establish their paleogeographic distribution.