Consideration of the genus Ginkgoites Seward and a redescription of two species from the Lower Cretaceous of Germany

Genera used for fossil ginkgoalean leafy shoots, especially Baiera F. Braun , Ginkgoites Seward and Ginkgo L., are discussed both in their historical c ontext and in the light of recent discoveries. Use of Ginkgoites Seward as a form- or organ-genus for fossil leaves lacking associated reproductive st ructures is readopted. Two species, Ginkgoites brauniana (Dunker) comb, nov . and Ginkgoites pluripartita (Schimper) Seward, from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden facies of Germany, are rediagnosed and neotypes selected. The occur rence of G. plutipartita in the Lower Cretaceous of western Greenland, Mont ana, USA, Canada and Siberia is confirmed. (C) 1999 Academic Press.