Sapindopsis ("Sapindus-like") is an extinct form genus for leaves of the Cretaceous Period, originally considered similar to soapberry. Associated reproductive structures now suggest it was more closely related to planes and sycamores of the family Platanaceae.
Description
In the form generic system of paleobotany Sapindopsis is used only for leaves, which are compound with three to six leaflets. Leaflets vary in distinctness or confluence with the midrib. The venation is pinnate, eucamptodromous to brochidodromus, with percurrent tertiary veins.
Distribution and species Sapindopsis was geographically widespread from Asia to North America. Species include:
Sapindopsis acuta - Albian–Coniacian; Atane Formation; Isunguak & Asuk, Greenland Sapindopsis angusta - Albian–Coniacian; Atane Formation; Isunguak & Asuk, Greenland Sapindopsis anhouryi - Cenomanian; Sannine Formation; Namoura, Lebanon. Sapindopsis asiaticus - Late Albian - Early Turonian; Krivorechenskaya Formation; Russia. Sapindopsis brevifolia - Barremian, Potomac Group, Virginia, USA Sapindopsis chinensis - Late Albian Dalazi Formation; China & Alchan Formation; Russia Sapindopsis magnifolia (type) Barremian, Potomac Group, Virginia, USA Sapindopsis orientalis - Frentsevka Formation of Russia. Sapindopsis powelliana - Cenomanian; Dakota Formation; Kansas, USA. Distefananthus hoisingtonensis (Huegele & Wang, 2022) may be the inflorescence of this species. Sapindopsis retallackii - Cenomanian Dakota Formation; Kansas, USA Sapindopsis variabilis - Barremian Patapsco Formation; Virginia, USA
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