Fossil record shows that Rosaceae is cogent with ancient dicotyledons (Heywood,
2007). Turonian fossils from 90 million years before the present (mybp)
are attributed to this family (Crepet et al., 2004). Wikstr¨om et al. (2001) estimates
that the stem rosaceous group dates to ca. 76 mybp, and crown group divergence
(Rosoideae not included) from 47 to 46 mybp. Rosaceous physiological structure
and anthecology also suggest that it is primitive. Hutchinson (1964) states that
Rosaceae is an offshoot of the ancient woody magnolias, and on a common evolutionary
line leading to orders such as Leguminales (Fabales), Araliales (Umbellales),
Fagales, and Juglandales, that have more specialized inflorescences.