The diversity of Gnetales from the Crato formation: perspectives based on macrofossils
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51359/1980-8208.2026.268806Keywords:
Cretaceous, Araripe basin, Gymnospermae, taxonomyAbstract
Since the first publication on fossil plants from the Araripe Basin by Duarte in 1985, numerous fossils have been described, and the paleoflora of the region, particularly that of the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation, has come to be regarded as one of the most significant worldwide for understanding the decline of gymnosperms and the early radiation of angiosperms. The plant remains recovered are often fragmentary, yet the remarkably high number of taxa preserved in exceptional condition is notable, with many specimens being complete and articulated, including roots, stems, leaves, sporangia or attached floral structures, as well as paleosols associated with some samples. Fossils of Gnetales are preserved in sedimentary deposits across the globe, representing a lineage of ancient shrubby gymnosperms with a long evolutionary history (at least ~125 Ma) that persists to the present days. In the Crato Formation, this group has an especially prominent fossil record, filling important gaps in our understanding of its diversity during the Cretaceous. These fossils support the notion that Gnetales were widely distributed and diverse throughout Gondwana. Understanding this diversity is also essential for explaining the marked reduction in their representation within modern ecosystems. Despite their significance, new taxa have been described only sporadically, and a gap of roughly ten years without dedicated publications highlights the lack of continuity in studies focusing on Gnetales from the Crato Formation. In this study, we provide a comprehensive and richly illustrated taxonomic revision of all taxa proposed from the Crato Formation, accompanied by a synthesis of available data. Our aim is to establish a robust foundation for future research and to propose guidelines that advance the understanding of Gnetales in the Araripe Basin.
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