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Amborella has a single species, A. trichopoda, and is endemic to New Caledonia. Phylogenetic studies indicate that it is the basalmost member of the angiosperm clade, and therefore plays an important evolutionary role.
Geological Age
Geological Age
No known fossil record
The origin of the Amborellaceae is assumed to be pre-Cretaceous
Classification
Classification
└Angiosperms
└Amborella
Ecology & Form
Ecology & Form
Amborella is an understory shrub in New Caledonia conifer forests (e.g., Podocarpaceae, Araucariaceae)
Stems
Stems
Thin, woody stems
Xylem possesses tracheids but lacks vessel elements; a lack of vessels is unique among angiosperms
Leaves
Leaves
Alternate, simple evergreen leaves with distinctly serrated or rippled margins
Reproduction
Reproduction
This taxon is dioecious with separate male (staminate) and female (carpellate) flowers
The carpellate flowers have non-functional "staminodes", structures resembling stamens in which no pollen develops.
Flowers are small, cream-colored born in cymes in the axils of foliage leaves
The perianth has undifferentiated spiraling (not whorled) tepals
Above: The overall form of Amborella
Above: A leaf of Amborella
Above: The male flowers of Amborella
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