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

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN000206

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:206

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

Rank: species

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

Reference: Friis, E. M., Crane, P. R. & Pedersen, K. R. (2019): Chlamydospermous seeds document the diversity and abundance of extinct gnetalean relatives in Early Cretaceous vegetation. – International Journal of Plant Sciences 180(7): 643–666.

Page of description: 657

Illustrations or figures: Fig. 8

Name is type for

Types

Original diagnosis/description

Seeds small and orthotropous. Integument free from the seed envelope for its full length except at the base, where it is broadly attached. Integument apically extended into a long micropylar tube formed by an inner and an outer epidermis. Micropylar canal open apically but closed farther down by the cells of the inner epidermis that expand radially toward the center of the canal. Seed envelope broadly elliptical in lateral view, elliptical and weakly four angled in transverse section, extended in the micropylar region into a short central projection supporting the micropylar tube. Outer surface of seed envelope almost smooth; outer epidermis of equiaxial cells covered by a thick cuticle. Inner surface of seed envelope smooth in the micropylar region, lacking papillae. Sclerenchyma zone of seed envelope consisting of an inner layer of equiaxial stone cells; a middle layer of narrow, radially and longitudinally extended cells; and an outer layer of very small isodiametric cells.

Etymology

From Portugal, where the seed was found (Latin Lusitania).

Stratigraphy

Cretaceous, Lower Cretaceous
Basal part of the Figueira da Foz Formation; early Cretaceous (late Aptian–early Albian).

Locality

Portugal
Arazede (lat. 40°16′45″N, long. 08°38′34″W).