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

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN001797

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:1797

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: 428

Illustrations or figures: pl. IX

Types

Original diagnosis/description

As for the genus with the following additions: Seeds broadly elliptic in lateral view, broadest around the midpoint, and narrow elliptic in transverse section. Hilum and micropyle slightly raised. Hilum circular in outline with prominent rim. Palisade cells of exotesta very short. Facets of exotesta cells equiaxial, irregularly aligned over most of the seed surface; folds of anticlinal walls are rounded. Exotestal tissue between hilum and micropyle slightly sinuous in longitudinal section.

Etymology

The species is named for the State of Maryland, USA, in which the Kenilworth locality is located.

Stratigraphy

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

Locality

United States
Kenilworth (Bladensburg), west facing exposure overlooking Washington, DC, Prince George County, Maryland, USA (38°55ʹ53ʺ N; 76°55ʹ45ʺ W)