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

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN000590

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:590

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

Rank: species

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

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

Illustrations or figures: fig. 5A–N

Name is type for

Types

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. Seeds minute, 0.6–0.9 mm long, 0.6–0.8 mm wide, ovoid to spherical with short pointed apex. Attachment scar prominent, rounded, approx. 0.1 mm in diameter. Outer layer of sclerenchyma cells rectangular, up to 30 μm long, transversely arranged. Inner layer cells up to 30 μm long, longitudinally arranged. Pollen grains approx. 23 μm long, 10 μm wide, approx. six ridges on the exposed side (inferred total of up to 12 ridges).

Etymology

From Lusitania, name of Roman province covering central Portugal where the fossils were collected.

Stratigraphy

Cretaceous, Lower Cretaceous
Calvaria Member, Figueira da Foz Formation. Early Cretaceous (late Aptian or early Albian).

Locality

Portugal
Buarcos, North of Figueira da Foz (40°09′54″N; 8°52′11″W)