Ephedrispermum Rydin, K.R.Pedersen, P.R.Crane et E.M.Friis

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN000589

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:589

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

Rank: genus

Reference: Rydin, C., Pedersen, K. R., Crane, P. R. & Friis, E. M. (2006): Former Diversity of Ephedra (Gnetales): Evidence from Early Cretaceous Seeds from Portugal and North America. – Annals of Botany 98(1): 123–140.

Page of description: 129

Type

Original diagnosis/description

Fossil seeds with their general organization and structure similar to modern Ephedra. Seeds ovoid to almost spherical with a short pointed apex. Nucellus and integument surrounded by an outer sclerenchymatous seed envelope, seed envelope distinctly four-angled towards apex. Sclerenchyma cells rectangular and in two layers, outer layer cells transversely arranged, inner layer longitudinally arranged. Papillae on seed envelope not observed. Pollen grains narrowly ribbed.

Etymology

These Ephedra-like seeds have been named from Ephedra and spermum meaning seed.