Alnbertinia

Alnbertinia is a genus of extinct plants belonging to the family Altingiaceae. These ancient trees are known from fossilized remains, primarily pollen and leaf impressions, dating back to the Cretaceous period. The genus was first described by paleobotanists based on discoveries made in various fossiliferous localities around the world. Alnbertinia fossils are notable for their distinctive leaf morphology, often characterized by lobed structures similar to modern sweetgum trees, although significant differences in venation and overall form exist.

The distribution of Alnbertinia fossils suggests a widespread presence across ancient continents during the Mesozoic Era. Their occurrence in both marine and terrestrial sedimentary deposits provides insights into the paleoenvironments they inhabited. The reproductive structures, when found, have also contributed to understanding their phylogenetic relationships. While Alnbertinia is no longer extant, its fossil record plays a crucial role in reconstructing past ecosystems and tracing the evolutionary history of angiosperms, particularly within the order Saxifragales. Research continues to refine the classification and evolutionary significance of this prehistoric genus.