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Which Early Cretaceous fossils have similarities to Welwitschia?
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Gnetophyte
Welwitschia, or tumboa (Welwitschia mirabilis), in Namibia.
Scientists recognize three extinct genera from the Early Cretaceous that are considered part of the family Welwitschiaceae due to their similarities to the extant genus Welwitschia:
- Priscowelwitschia
- Welwitschiophyllum
- Welwitschiostrobus
The identification of these fossils is based on recovered specimens of leafy shoots, seedlings, pollen, and microstrobili (cones) that resemble those of the modern Welwitschia mirabilis.1