Many of the features described below have been thought to represent the most 'primative' condition of the angiosperm flower. Wood from the Upper Cretaceaous and Tertiary. Inflorescence a solitary flower. Calyx and corolla often as undifferentiated tepals. Carpels of the gyneocium are free and not fused.
Seed is large.
Leaves simple and alternate. Stipules are present, often forming an ocrea.