Battenispermum M.M.Mendes, K.R.Pedersen et E.M.Friis

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN000541

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:541

Authors: M. M. Mendes, K. R. Pedersen & E. M. Friis

Rank: genus

Reference: Mendes, M. M., Pedersen, K. R. & Friis, E. M. (2020): Battenispermum hirsutum gen. et sp. nov., a new Early Cretaceous seed from Portugal with chlamydospermous organisation. – Cretaceous Research 109: 104376.

Page of description: 2

Type

Original diagnosis/description

Compound ovulate structures with three seeds partially surrounded by an outer cup formed from four bracts, fused for most of their length. Seeds small and orthotropous, each with nucellus surrounded by a thin integument, a sclerenchymatic seed envelope, and an additional envelope of four, partly fused inner bracts with free, projecting apices. Abaxial surfaces of bracts with dense indumentum of long, erect and stiff trichomes. Apex of nucellus composed of thin-walled cells and with a deep depression (probable pollen chamber). Integument extended apically into a long micropylar tube. Seed envelope broadly elliptical in lateral view, three- or four-angled in transverse section. Inner seed envelope with an inner layer of elongate fibres and an outer zone of thin-walled, angular cells forming a faint chevron-like pattern in longitudinal sections; outer surface almost smooth. A single elliptical structure present on each face of the inner seed envelope.

Etymology

In honour of David J. Batten (1943–2019) for his contribution to the studies of Cretaceous plant fossils.