Specimen: Mariopteris muricata ( Schlotheim 1804 ) Zeiller 1886
Locality: Poland, GZW Upper Silesia Coal Basin, Ruda Śląska - Halemba Stratigraphy: Upper Carboniferous, Middle Pennsylvanian Westphalian B "Orzeskie" Beds
Age: ca 305 Mya,
Matrix dimensions: 24,0 x 14,0 x 6,0 cm
Description:
Specimen of Mariopteris muricata ( Schlotheim 1804) Zeiller - climber vine, liana-like seed fern fossil frond.
Mariopteris muricata ( Schlotheim 1804 ) Zeiller 1886 is uncommon Mariopterids species. In this species the secondary pinnae are linear-lanceolate, alternate and oblique to the rachis. The pinnules are confluent at the base and subtriangular. The lateral veins straight, generally immersed and hidden, once near the base, with the lower positioned ones often forking again.
Mariopteridaceae seed ferns (Pteridosperms) group contains two genera, Marioptris and Karinopteris. Mariopteris is a form genus for relatively small compact fronds which are bifurcated twice.
The pinnules are tongue-shaped to assymmetrically triangular in outline with a distinct basal lobe (at least the pinnules closest to the main axes). Although it is clear that most mariopterids are seed ferns, their natural affinity remains unclear. Karinopterids obviously had a climbing growth habit. This species, like other Karinopteroids and Mariopteroids, had a vine- to liana-like growth habit and climbed with specialized climber hooks.
Systematic:
Division: Tracheophyta (Sphenopsida)
Kingdom: Chlorobiota Plantae
Family: Mariopteridaceae
Genus: Mariopteris (Zeiller 1878)
Species: Mariopteris muricata ( Schlotheim 1804 ) Zeiller 1886