Potomacanthus Balthazar, K.R.Pedersen, P.R.Crane, Stampan. et E.M.Friis

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN001969

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:1969

Authors: M. von Balthazar, K. R. Pedersen, P. R. Crane, M. Stampanoni & E. M. Friis

Rank: genus

Reference: von Balthazar, M., Pedersen, K. R., Crane, P. R., Stampanoni, M. & Friis, E. M. (2007): Potomacanthus lobatus gen. et sp. nov., a new flower of probable Lauraceae from the Early Cretaceous (Early to Middle Albian) of eastern North America. – American Journal of Botany 94(12): 2041–2053., link

Page of description: 2044

Type

Original diagnosis/description

Flower small, bisexual, actinomorphic, and trimerous. Perianth consisting of six tepals in two alternating whorls. Androecium of six stamens in two alternating whorls: the outer whorl opposite the outer tepals. No staminodes present. Stamens differentiated into anther and filament but without a distinct joint at the base of the anther. Anther dehiscence by two valves (interpreted as distally hinged). Gynoecium of one superior, unilocular carpel containing a single anatropous, pendant ovule. Ovary ascidiate, style plicate. Ventral slit of carpel fused; canal present in the innermost part of the ventral slit.

Etymology

From the Potomac Group where the fossil was collected.