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

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN001794

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:1794

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: 421

Illustrations or figures: pl. V

Types

Original diagnosis/description

As for the genus with the following additions: Seeds elliptic in lateral view and broadly elliptic in transverse section. Hilum and micropyle area not raised. Hilum circular in outline with an indistinct rim. Palisade cells of exotesta short. Facets of exotesta cells transversely elongate, aligned in longitudinal rows over most of the seed surface; folds of anticlinal walls sharp. Exotestal tissue between hilum and micropyle curved in longitudinal section.

Etymology

The species is named for the town of Hopewell, Virginia, USA, close to the Puddledock locality.

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)