Archaeanthus is an early angiosperm described from the mid-Cretaceous (uppermost Albian to mid-Cenomanian) Dakota Formation of central Kansas, USA. Archaeanthus linnenbergeri Dilcher and Crane is a multifollicular angiosperm fruit. It is linked with perianth parts (Archaepetala beekeri Dilcher and Crane and Archaepetala obscura Dilcher and Crane), bud scales (Kalymmanthus walkeri Dilcher and Crane), and leaves (Liriophyllum kansense Dilcher and Crane) on the basis of association evidence and structural agreement in the presence of distinctive resin bodies (Dilcher and Crane, 1984).

Archaeanthus linnenbergeri Dilcher and Crane. Reconstruction of leafy twig and flower (Image courtesy of David Dilcher).

Archaeanthus linnenbergeri Dilcher and Crane. Specimen showing a long receptacle bearing numerous helically arranged follicles (Image courtesy of David Dilcher).

Petal-like structure possibly associated with Archaeanthus linnenbergeri Dilcher and Crane (image courtesy of David Dilcher).

Liriophyllum kansense Dilcher and Crane, leaf possibly associated with Archaeanthus linnenbergeri Dilcher and Crane.