Erdtmanitheca portucalensis M.M.Mendes, Pais, K.R.Pedersen et E.M.Friis

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN001995

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:1995

Authors: M. M. Mendes, J. Pais, K. R. Pedersen & E. M. Friis

Rank: species

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

Reference: Mendes, M. M., Pais, J., Pedersen, K. R. & Friis, E. M. (2010): Erdtmanitheca portucalensis, a new pollen organ from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) of Portugal with Eucommiidites-type pollen. – Grana 49(1): 26–36.

Page of description: 28

Illustrations or figures: figs 2–5

Types

Original diagnosis/description

Pollen organ bearing loosely arranged microsporophylls radiating from a central core. Microsporophyll ellipsoidal to barrel-shaped with a flattened or slightly depressed peltate apical head; each microsporophyll with about ten narrow sporangia in a radial arrangement. Pollen of Eucommiidites-type with long main (distal) colpus flanked by two lateral colpi in almost equatorial position; tectum psilate, occasionally with small puncta proximally. Tectum thick, infratectal layer and foot layer thin. Pollen length (L) to width (W) ratio about 3:2.

Etymology

The specific epithet portucalensis is derived from Portugal, where the fossils were collected.

Stratigraphy

Cretaceous, Lower Cretaceous
Famalicão Member of the Figueira da Foz Formation (late Aptian-early Albian)

Locality

Portugal
Vale de Água – Vale Farelo opencast clay pit complex, Estremadura region, western Portugal (39º 37’ 13.1’’ N, 08º 51’ 57.2’’ W)