Aroideana 44-1-41

June 2021

Page 41

 

Josef Bogner’s Influence on Paleobotany

 

Ruth A. Stockey, Georgia L. Hoffman, and Gar W. Rothwell

 

ABSTRACT

Josef Bogner's energy and enthusiasm helped to bring about a great expansion in our knowledge of the fossil record of Araceae, and of other monocots as well. Building on his encyclopedic knowledge of the biology of extant aroids, Josef knew that fossils are essential to understanding the evolution and biogeography of the family through time. His tireless scrutiny of putatively araceous fossils increased the confidence in their affinity (or lack thereof) to Araceae, and his delight in each newly discovered fossil inspired many paleobotanists, including the authors.

 

KEY WORDS Aquatics, Araceae, Alismatales, fossil, paleobotany, Trapa.