Microvictoria
Microvictoria svitkoana is a fossil species of aquatic plant, which occurred in the Cretaceous period of New Jersey, USA.
Description
Generative characteristics
The pedunculate, actinomorphic flowers are 2.3-3.4 mm long, and 1.2-1.6 mm wide. The peduncle is 0.4-1.8 mm long. Both staminoids and fertile stamens are present.
Taxonomy
Publication
It was published by Maria Alejandra Gandolfo, Kevin C. Nixon, and William L. Crepet in 2004.
The type specimen was collected in the Old Crossman Clay Pit, Sayreville, New Jersey, USA.
Position within Nymphaeales
It is placed in the family Nymphaeaceae. This placement has been questioned by different authors, who believe it may be placed outside of the order Nymphaeales. It has been proposed to include it in a newly described family Microvictoriaceae Doweld with a possible affinity to the order Illiciales.
Etymology
The generic name Microvictoria expresses an affinity to the extant genus Victoria. The specific epithet svitkoana honours Jennifer L. Svitko, a lab technician of the Cornell University.
Ecology
Pollination
It was pollinated by insects.