Polycladophyton gracilis D.Edwards et C.S.Li

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN000315

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:315

Authors: D. Edwards & C. S. Li

Rank: species

Genus: Polycladophyton D.Edwards et C.S.Li

Reference: Edwards, D. & Li, C. -S. (2018): Further insights into the Lower Devonian terrestrial vegetation of Sichuan Province, China. – Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 253: 37–48.

Page of description: 47

Illustrations or figures: Pl. IV (1–6)

Name is type for

Types

Original diagnosis/description

Upright plant with asynchronous dichotomous branching in leafless stems showing overtopping but no dominance. Branching angles low. Vertically ovate sporangia produced asynchronously terminate one branch of a dichotomy, sometimes overtopping it. Narrow, distinct band extends over free margin of sporangium. Dehiscence unknown. Majority of stems 5–6 mm wide. Branching angles 10°–30°. Sporangial maximum diameter at mid height 1.6–2.0 mm (x = 1.8, n = 3); height 1.8–2.5 mm (x = 2.2; n = 5). Sporangial border c. 0.1 mm wide.

Etymology

Gracilis - thin, slender.

Stratigraphy

Devonian, Lower Devonian
Horizon 1 at the base of the Pingyipu Group, Lochkovian/early Pragian

Locality

China
Yanmenba section, Jiangyou district, North Sichuan