| Ticodendron | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Ticodendraceae Gómez-Laur. &L.D.Gómez[2] |
| Genus: | Ticodendron Gómez-Laur. & L.D.Gómez |
| Species: | T. incognitum |
| Binomial name | |
| Ticodendron incognitum Gómez-Laur. & L.D.Gómez | |
 | |
Ticodendron incognitum is the onlyspecies ofTicodendron, and the only member of thefamilyTicodendraceae. It is most closely related to the familyBetulaceae.
It was discovered only in 1989 inCosta Rica, having been overlooked previously due to its habitat in poorly researchedcloud forests and its very 'ordinary' appearance; further research showed its range extends from southernMexico (Veracruz,Oaxaca,Chiapas), south throughCentral America toPanama.[3][4][5][6]
It is atree, 20–30 m tall, superficially resembling analder in appearance, with alternate, simpleleaves 5–12 cm long with a serrated margin. It is generallydioecious, with separate male and female plants.[7]
†Ferrignocarpus bivalvisfossil fruits, from the MiddleEocene ofOregon and the EarlyEoceneLondon Clay flora of southernEngland, correspond closely in morphology and anatomy to fruits of extantTicodendron.[8]
