rothii

Rothii is a genus of extinct plants belonging to the order Ginkgoales. These plants are known from fossilized impressions found in sedimentary rocks, primarily from the Mesozoic Era. The most distinguishing feature of Rothii is its foliage, which typically consists of fan-shaped leaves with dichotomous venation, meaning the veins repeatedly divide into two. This leaf morphology is characteristic of many ancient Ginkgoales, making them relatively easy to identify within the fossil record.

Fossil specimens of Rothii have been discovered in various locations worldwide, indicating a wide distribution during its time. The preservation of these fossils often includes detailed imprints of the leaves, allowing paleontologists to study their structure and compare them to modern Ginkgo species. While Rothii shares some similarities with the living Ginkgo biloba, it is considered a distinct extinct lineage. Researchers analyze the differences in leaf shape, size, and venation patterns to understand the evolutionary relationships within the Ginkgoales.

The ecological role of Rothii is inferred from the sedimentary environments where its fossils are found. These environments often suggest a habitat in temperate or subtropical forests. The presence of Ginkgoales, including Rothii, in these ancient ecosystems provides insights into the plant communities and climate conditions of the past. The study of Rothii contributes to our understanding of plant evolution and the history of life on Earth, particularly the diversification and eventual decline of certain plant groups.