Convergent evolution in the late Permian megaphyllous leaves of the Noeggerathiales progymnosperm <i>Paratingia</i> and the cycad <i>Plagiozamites</i>

Results emphasise parallel evolution in leaf form and anatomy among Noeggerathiales progymnosperms and cycads, which despite superficial resemblance, are distinguished through gross morphology, rachis anatomy, and epidermal characters. Our findings highlight complexities in accurately identifying fossil species from incomplete data and help clarify species richness and extinction magnitude in Cathaysia through the Paleozoic-Mesozoic transition.