With two recognized species, the extinct (late Eocene) Groeberia is periodically at the centre of systematic disputes. On the basis of its best-preserved specimen, we describe in detail the dental and functional morphology of the masticatory apparatus of Groeberia minoprioi. A review of its dental anatomy indicates that Groeberia has a tribosphenic molar pattern which confirms its therian affinities. Its dental formula of I2/1; C1/1; P3/1; M4/4 is compatible with the usual metatherian set of three premolars and four molars in the upper dentition, and with the common ‘pseudodiprotodont’ lower postcanine formula of one premolar (p3) and four molars. A cladistic analysis resulted in the inclusion of Groeberia among australidelphian metatherians, clustering with vombatiform diprotodontians in the strict consensus tree; however, these affinities require further testing. The functional morphology of the masticatory apparatus suggests distinct incisive and chewing phases. The incisive stroke was followed by a power stroke with a combination of proal and ectental motion of the jaw. Integrating the results of masticatory movements, occlusal tooth wear, infraorbital foramen size, and body mass estimations (90.2 g for G. pattersoni and 216.3 g for G. minoprioi), we suggest an omnivorous diet with a preference for plant material, like that characterizing living potoroids.

灭绝的（始新世）小茄子有两个公认的物种，通常是系统性争执的中心。在保存最完好的标本的基础上，我们详细描述了Groeberia minoprioi咀嚼器的牙齿和功能形态。对它的牙齿解剖学的审查表明，格氏杆菌具有摩擦性的磨擦模式，这证实了它的泰里安亲和力。其牙科公式为I2 / 1；C1 / 1；P3 / 1；M4 / 4与上牙列中通常的三个前臼齿和四个臼齿的metatherian设置兼容，并与常见的“ pseudodiprotodont”下犬齿式的一个前臼齿（p3）和四个臼齿兼容。一次分类分析导致将茄子在澳大利西亚的Meatherians中，在严格的共识树中与伞形双齿动物聚在一起；但是，这些相似性需要进一步测试。咀嚼器的功能形态表明了不同的切入和咀嚼阶段。尖锐性中风后是下颌中风和结直肠运动相结合的强力中风。综合咀嚼运动，咬合牙齿磨损，眶下孔大小和体重估计的结果（G. pattersoni为90.2 g，G。minoprioi为216.3 g ），我们建议选择杂食性饮食，偏爱植物性材料，如表征活的类胡萝卜素。