Marattiaceae synangia from the Lower Cretaceous of Antarctica

Marattiaceous ferns are conspicuous fossil element in upper Paleozoic and lower Mesozoic deposits, but become rarer to almost absent in Cretaceous to Holocene deposits. In this contribution, fragmentary synangia recovered from the Aptian Cerro Negro Formation (Livingston Island, Antarctica) are desc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of palaeobotany and palynology 2016-12, Vol.235, p.6-10
Main Authors: Vera, Ezequiel I., Césari, Silvia N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antarctica
Cretaceous
Eusporangiate
Ferns
Fossil
Marattiaceae
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Summary:Marattiaceous ferns are conspicuous fossil element in upper Paleozoic and lower Mesozoic deposits, but become rarer to almost absent in Cretaceous to Holocene deposits. In this contribution, fragmentary synangia recovered from the Aptian Cerro Negro Formation (Livingston Island, Antarctica) are described. Synangia are bivalvate, containing at least four lachrymiform sporangia per valve. Valves are fused at the base, and connect to the leaf blade by a short peduncle. Sporangia contain more than 400 oval to reniform (probably monolete), smooth to microgranulate spores. The reproductive structures have morphological similarities with extant Marattia and Ptisana, and the apparent absence of labia suggests a closer relationship with the latter genus. The presence of Marattiaceae, along with previously described ferns (e.g. Cyatheales) supports warm climatic conditions during the Aptian in this region of Antarctica. •Marattiaceae synangia are recovered from the Early Cretaceous of Antarctica.•Preserved remains suggest affinities with crown Marattiaceae.•The presence of Marattiaceae supports warm climatic conditions in the region during the Aptian.
ISSN:0034-6667
1879-0615
DOI:10.1016/j.revpalbo.2016.09.007