Ceylania

Ceylania is a genus of extinct vascular plants belonging to the class Cycadopsida. These plants are known from fossil remains found primarily in regions corresponding to present-day Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), which gives the genus its name. Ceylania is characterized by its unique leaf morphology and reproductive structures, which distinguish it from other cycad-like plants.

Fossil evidence suggests that Ceylania existed during the Mesozoic era, specifically the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Detailed analyses of fossilized leaves reveal features such as pinnate venation patterns and a relatively robust cuticle, providing insights into the plant's adaptation to its environment.

While the exact phylogenetic relationships of Ceylania within the Cycadopsida are still debated, its fossil record contributes valuable information to our understanding of the evolutionary history and diversification of cycads. Further research on newly discovered fossils is ongoing to clarify its placement within the broader context of plant evolution and paleobotany. The relatively limited fossil record of Ceylania makes it a subject of ongoing scientific interest.