Nitaspermum crassum E.M.Friis, P.R.Crane et K.R.Pedersen

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN001795

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:1795

Authors: E. M. Friis, P. R. Crane & K. R. Pedersen

Rank: species

Genus: Nitaspermum E.M.Friis, P.R.Crane et K.R.Pedersen

Reference: Friis, E. M., Crane, P. R. & Pedersen, K. R. (2018): Fossil seeds with affinities to Austrobaileyales and Nymphaeales from the Early Cretaceous (early to middle Albian) of Virginia and Maryland, USA: new evidence for extensive extinction near the base of the angiosperm tree. in Krings, M., Harper, C. J., Cúneo, N. R., Rothwell, G. W. (eds): Transformative paleobotany. Papers to commemorate the life and legacy of Thomas N. Taylor. Academic Press: 417–435.

Page of description: 424

Illustrations or figures: pl. VI

Types

Original diagnosis/description

As for the genus with the following additions: Seeds elliptic in lateral view, broadest at around the midpoint, almost circular in transverse section. Hilum and micropyle slightly raised. Hilum almost circular, lacking a prominent rim. Palisade cells of exotesta short, except over the raphe where they are tall. Facets of exotesta cells equiaxial, irregularly aligned over most of the seed surface; folds of anticlinal walls rounded. Exotestal tissue between hilum and micropyle elongate, almost straight in longitudinal section.

Etymology

The species name is from Latin crassa, meaning “thick” to indicate the plump seed shape.

Stratigraphy

Cretaceous, Lower Cretaceous, Albian
Basal part of Subzone IIB, Potomac Group (early to middle Albian)

Locality

United States
Puddledock locality, former Tarmac Lone Star Industries (Vulcan Materials Co.) sand and gravel pit, located south of Richmond and east of the Appomattox River in Prince George County, Virginia (37°15'52'' N; 77°22'10'' W)