Gangamopteris

Gangamopteris is a genus of extinct seed ferns that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 201 million years ago. The genus is known from fossilized remains found in South Africa, China, and India. Gangamopteris is characterized by its unique, fan-like fronds that were up to 1.5 meters in length, and its distinctive, club-shaped sori, which are the structures where spores are produced.

The fronds of Gangamopteris were composed of numerous leaflets that were arranged in a pinnate pattern, with the largest leaflets being up to 15 centimeters in length. The leaflets were supported by a network of veins that radiated from a central axis, giving the fronds a distinctive, feathery appearance.

Gangamopteris is believed to have been a pioneer species in the colonization of terrestrial environments during the Triassic period. Its ability to produce spores and reproduce sexually made it well-suited to colonize new habitats and establish populations in a variety of environments.

The genus Gangamopteris is named after the South African town of Gangamopane, where the first fossils of the genus were discovered. The name is derived from the local Tsonga word for "place of the red people," reflecting the red color of the fossilized fronds.