Ephedra portugallica Rydin, K.R.Pedersen, P.R.Crane et E.M.Friis

Plant Fossil Names Registry Number: PFN000587

Act LSID: urn:lsid:plantfossilnames.org:act:587

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

Rank: species

Reference: Rydin, C., Pedersen, K. R., Crane, P. R. & Friis, E. M. (2006): Former Diversity of Ephedra (Gnetales): Evidence from Early Cretaceous Seeds from Portugal and North America. – Annals of Botany 98(1): 123–140.

Page of description: 125

Illustrations or figures: figs 1A–K, 2A–F

Types

Original diagnosis/description

Fossil seeds and in situ pollen with their general organization and structure as in modern Ephedra (nucellus surrounded by integument and outer sclerenchymatous envelope, long micropylar tube extending beyond the envelope, papillae on inner apical part of envelope, pollen exine shed during germination), and with the following defining features:
Seeds small, 0.85–1.2 mm long, 0.7–0.8 mm wide, ovoid with rounded base and pointed apex. Attachment scar prominent, rounded to slightly squared, approx. 0.25 mm in diameter. Sclerenchymatic cells of outer seed envelope narrowly rectangular, approx. 10–30 μm long, longitudinally arranged. Pollen approx. 33–40 μm long, 20–25 μm wide, approx. 10–15 ridges on exposed side (inferred total of 20–30 ridges).

Etymology

Named from Portugal, where the fossils were found.

Stratigraphy

Cretaceous, Lower Cretaceous
Calvaria Member, Figueira da Foz Formation. Early Cretaceous (late Aptian or early Albian).

Locality

Portugal
Buarcos, North of Figueira da Foz (40°09′54″N; 8°52′11″W)