The "Chloranthaceae" were one of the most widespread of the basal angiosperm groups, and as such "Ascarina" was very widespread in the mid Eocene and the early Pleistocene epochs. Fossil records show "Ascarina" pollen to be much more widespread during those time periods than it is currently, due to a more suitable climate and fewer competitors. This wide spread of the genus likely explains its presence on Madagascar as a species of "Ascarina" developed on the African continent was carried by wind to Madagascar, where environmental conditions were favorable to its continuing survival.