Microraptor's World
Fern
Botrychites
If you were suddenly transported into a Liaoning forest 130
million years ago, you would likely see a variety of ferns in the understory,
including this one, and be surrounded by gingko trees and conifers similar to
modern pines and firs. Along the shores of lakes, you might step through
horsetails and other marsh plants, and possibly catch a glimpse of the oldest
known flowering plant, called Archaefructus
or "ancient fruit," which may have spread its pollen via water.
(Like all early flowering plants, it lacked showy, colorful blossoms to attract
insects and other animal pollinators.)