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.)