Pyramidodinium atrofuscum gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new marine sand-dwelling coccoid dinoflagellate from tropical waters

A new marine sand‐dwelling coccoid dinoflagellate Pyramidodinium atrofuscum Horiguchi et Sukigara gen. et sp. nov. is described from Jellyfish Lake, Republic of Palau. The dinoflagellate alternates a non‐motile vegetative stage with a motile gymnodinioid stage within its life cycle. The non‐motile stage is dominant in the life cycle and the dinoflagellate reproduces itself by means of the production of two motile cells. The released motile cell swims only for a short period and is directly transformed into the non‐motile cell. The non‐motile cell is sessile, pyramidal in shape, with a single longitudinal ridge and a double transverse ridge. The surface of the cell wall is covered with many processes. The motile cell has a Gymnodinium‐like morphology, but no apical groove is present. An ultrastructural study revealed that the dinoflagellate possesses typical dinoflagellate organelles. Based on the unique morphology of the vegetative non‐motile stage, we propose a new genus Pyramidodinium for this dinoflagellate, with the type species Pyramidodinium atrofuscum Horiguchi et Sukigara, gen. et sp. nov.     

睡鼠科一新属新种——四川毛尾睡鼠

睡鼠科主要分布于古北界,现已发现的现在种7属14种(Corbet 1980)。Daams(1981)系统的研究了本科,并建议下隶5亚科,28属,现生种仅隶4亚科。即道睡鼠亚科Gliravinae(2化石属),普通睡鼠亚科 Glirinae(6属,现生2属2种),林睡鼠亚科Dryominae(7属,现生3属4种),鼠睡鼠亚科Myomiminae(9属,现生1属2种)及非洲睡鼠亚科Graphiurinae(4属,现生1属1种)。     

Amphidiniella sedentaria gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new sand-dwelling dinoflagellate from Japan

A new sand-dwelling dinoflagellate is described from Sesoko Beach, Okinawa Island, subtropical Japan and its micromorphology is studied by means of light and electron microscopy. The cell consists of a small epitheca and a large hypothecs superficially resembling members of the unarmored genus Amphidinium. The cell is dorso-ventrally flattened and possesses a single chloroplast with a large conspicuous pyrenoid. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the dinoflagellate possesses typical dinoflagellate cellular organization. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the organism is thecate and the thecal plate arrangement is Po, 4′, 1a, 7″, 5c, 4s, 6″′, 2″″. Most of the characteristics suggest gonyaulacalean affinity of the new species. These are the presence of ventral pore, lack of canal plate, direct contact between the sulcal anterior plate and the flagellar pore, possession of six postcingular plates and asymmetrical arrangement of the antapical plates. Affinity to existing families of the order Gonyaulacales has not been determined. Based on the unique cell shape, thecal plate arrangement and the presence of ventral pore, a new genus, Amphidiniella, is established for this organism and the species is named A. sedentaria Horiguchi gen. et sp. nov.     

Laminarionema elsbetiae gen. et sp. nov. (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae), a new endophyte in Laminaria sporophytes

Laminarionema elsbetiae gen. et sp, nov, (Ectocarpaceae, Ectocarpales. Phaeophyceae), a new endophyte of Laminaria japonica Areschoug (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), is described from Muroran. Hokkaido, Japan. Laminarionema elsbetiae grows in the host tissues forming networks in the epidermal and subcortical layers as well as penetrating into the cortical and medullary layers. Only phaeophycean hairs emerge from the surface of the host tissue. No reproductive cells were found in field material. However, under host-free culture the species formed three morphologically different reproductive structures. Macrosporangia containing a single large motile spore were formed under long and short day conditions below 20°C, transformed from vegetative cells, conical to elongated in shape, 50–75 μm in length and ca. 10 μm in diameter. Microsporangia were linear to lanceolate, sometimes branched, formed under long and short day conditions below 15°C. Unilocular sporangia were more or less irregular in shape, formed under short day conditions of 5–15°C, 60–75 μm in length and 40–45 μm in diameter. Sexual fusion between macro- and microspores was not seen. In mixed cultures of L. elsbetiae with young sporophytes of L Japonica Areschoug as well as Saccorhiza dermatodea (de la Pylaie) J. Agardh, L elsbetiae infected both hosts, grew in the same manner as in natural hosts, and formed macrosporangia between host epidermal cells.     

Studies of the Liagoraceae (rhodophyta) of Western Australia: Gloiotrichus fractalis gen. et sp. nov. and Ganonema helminthaxis sp. nov.

Two new taxa of Liagoraceae (Nemaliales) are described from Western Australia. Gloiotrichus fractalis gen. et sp. nov. has been collected from 3–20 m depths at the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia. Plants are calcified, extremely lubricous, and grow to 17 cm in length. Carpogonial branches are straight, 6 or 7 cells in length, arise from the basal or lower cells of cortical fascicles, and are occasionally compound. Branched sterile filaments of narrow elongate cells arise on the lower cells of the carpogonial branch prior to gonimoblast initiation, at first on the basal cells, then on progressively more distal cells. Following presumed fertilisation the carpogonium divides transversely, with both cells giving rise to gonimoblast filaments. The distal cells of the carpogonial branch then begin to fuse, with fusion progressing proximally until most of the cells of the carpogonial branch are included. As fusion extends, the filaments on the carpogonial branch are reduced to the basal 2 or 3 cells. The gonimoblast is compact and bears terminal carposporangia. Spermatangial clusters arise on subterminal cells of the cortex, eventually displacing the terminal cells. The sequence of pre- and post-fertilisation events occurring in the new genus separates it from all others included in the Liagoraceae, although it appears to have close affinities with the uncalcified genus Nemalion. Ganonema helminthaxis sp. nov. was collected from 12 m depths at Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Plants are uncalcified and mucilaginous, the axes consisting of a few (< 10) primary medullary filaments, each cell of which gives rise to a cortical fascicle at alternate forks of the pseudodichotomies borne on successive medullary cells. Subsidiary (adventitious) filaments and rhizoids comprise the bulk of the thallus. Carpogonial branches are straight, (3-)4(-6) cells in length, arise on the basal 1–4 cells of the cortical fascicles, and are frequently compound. Carposporophytes develop from the upper of two daughter cells formed by a transverse division of the fertilised carpogonium. Ascending and descending sterile filaments girdle the carpogonial branch cells and arise mostly on the supporting cell prior to fertilisation. Ganonema helminthaxis is the first completely non-calcified member of the genus, and its reproductive and vegetative morphology supports the recognition of Ganonema as a genus independent from Liagora. Liagora codii Womersley is a southern Australian species displaying features of Ganonema, to which it is transferred.     

Xenococconeis opunohusiensis gen. et sp. nov. and Xenococconeis neocaledonica comb. nov. (Bacillariophyta) from the tropical South Pacific

During a survey of the coral reef diatoms of Moorea Island (Society Archipelago, South Pacific) a small‐sized member of the order Achnanthales was studied using a light microscope (LM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This marine taxon has: a raphe valve (RV) with a non‐crenulate edge; a high cingulum; a sternum valve (SV) often irregularly striated and areolae with concave hymenate pore occlusion; a thick and plain SV valvocopula (SVVC), ring‐shaped, composed of large fused fimbriae, with a central elliptic foramen bordered by the peg‐like edge of the fimbriae. On abvalvar side, the SVVC bears radiate concave and robust transapical ribs, interlinking with short elevated transverse ribs of the RV valvocopula (RVVC). Large marginal fenestrae of the RVVC give access to pseudoloculi. One oblong, unique and striated papilla is located on each RVVC rib. Given this unique set of features, we describe Xenococconeis opunohusiensis gen. et sp. nov. as a new taxon belonging to the Achnanthales. The characteristics of the new taxon are compared with Campyloneis Grunow and Cocconeis Ehrenberg. From New Caledonia, Cocconeis neocaledonica Maillard ex Lange‐Bertalot et Steindorf, a freshwater diatom, was described with two internal septa with marginal pseudoloculi. Based on subsequent SEM illustrations and remarks, we propose the transfer of C. neocaledonica to the new genus, and compare it to the type species, Xenococconeis opunohusiensis.     

Taxonomic studies on the Chlorarachniophyta. II. Generic delimitation of the chlorarachniophytes and description of Gymnochlora stellata gen. et sp. nov. and Lotharella gen. nov.

A new chlorarachniophytan alga, Gymnochlora stellata Ishida et Y. Hara gen. et sp. nov., has been isolated from Anae Island in Guam. It is a green, star-shaped, unicellular, amoeboid organism with several filopodia that do not form a reticulopodial network. Neither zoospores nor walled coccoid cells have been observed throughout the life cycle. The chloroplast ultrastructure is similar to those of described species; however, the pyrenoid matrix, which is invaded by many tubular structures originating from the inner membrane of the chloroplast envelope, is unique. A classification system is proposed for the Chlorarachniophyta. In this system, the ultrastructural features of the pyrenoid and the location of the nucleomorph in the periplastidial compartment are used as generic criteria, while the morphological features of the vegetative cells and life cycle patterns are used for species criteria. The described species, except for Cryptochlora perforans Calderon-Saenz et Schnetter, are also reassessed under the new system, and consequent nomenclatural requirements for the genus Chlorarachnion are dealt with in this paper. The taxonomic rank of a previously described species, Chlorarachnion globosum Ishida et Y. Hara, is elevated and Lotharella globosa (Ishida et Y. Hara) Ishida et Y. Hara gen. nov. et comb. nov. is proposed.     

Hironoia fusiformis gen. et sp. nov.; a cornalean fruit from the Kamikitaba locality (Upper Cretaceous,Lower Coniacian) in northeastern Japan

The application of sieving techniques to bulk samples from the Ashizawa Formation, Futaba Group (Lower Coniacian) of northeastern Honshu, Japan, has yielded well-preserved mesofossil assemblages comparable with those recently described from eastern North America, Europe, and central Asia. Among the most abundant and distinctive components of these assemblages are fusiform fruits that are assigned here to a new genus and species, Hironoia fusiformis gen. et sp. nov. The fruits developed from an epigynous ovary with three to four locules. Each locule bears one seed and has a distinctive dorsal germination valve. These features of the fruit, along with the adnate calyx, indicate an affinity to extant Cornales and specifically the Cornaceae sensu lato. The recognition of an unequivocal cornalean fruit in the Early Coniacian–Early Santonian of Japan provides the earliest record of this group in the fossil record. It also establishes a minimum age for the early divergence of the asterid clade, a major group of living angiosperms comprising more than a third of all species of extant flowering plants. Electronic Publication     

Haramonas dimorpha gen. et sp. nov. (Raphidophyceae), a new marine raphidophyte from Australian mangrove*

A new raphidophyte flagellate is described from the river mouth of the Daintree River, north-east Australia where there are extensive mangrove forests. The organism has two distinct phases: a club-shaped motile form, and a more or less spherical benthic non-motile form. The motile cell is metabolic and possesses 10–20 chloroplasts. The chloroplasts are imbricated, somewhat reminiscent of roofing tiles. A unique structure has been found at the posterior end of the cell. It is a tubular invagination, which consists of a single membrane supported by many small flattened vesicles. In addition, the structure is surrounded by many fibril-containing vesicles. The tubular invagination is different from both the contractile vacuoles and the pusules of dinoflagellates in both behavior and structure. Based on the possession of these unique features, it is concluded that the this mangrove flagellate should be described as a new species in a new genus and the name Haramonas dimorpha Horiguchi gen. et sp. nov. is proposed.     

Neosiphonia flavimarina gen. et sp. nov. with a taxonomic reassessment of the genus Polysiphonia (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)

Vegetative and reproductive development of Neosiphonia flavimarina gen. et sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) from Bangpo on the western coast of Korea was investigated. This species is superficially similar to Polysiphonia, but differs distinctly from the latter in vegetative and reproductive structures. The plants attach by a solid disk composed of a dense cluster of rhizoids cut off from the pericentral cell wall, and bear erect indeterminate branches producing the lateral-branch initials from successive segments in a spiral arrangement. The procarps have a three-celled carpo-gonial branch. Spermatangial branches are formed on a primary branch of the trichoblasts, terminating in a single or occasionally two large, sterile cells. Tetra-sporangia are produced from the second pericentral cell adjacent to the trichoblast basal cell on indeterminate branches, and arranged spirally. Comparing several taxonomic characters among related genera, Neosiphonia occupies an independent phylogenetic position from Polysiphonia and leads to the conclusion that the genus may have a strong link with Fernandosiphonia which has a unilateral branching system. Relevant nomenclatural changes for several Polysiphonia species are also proposed.     

An ultrastructural study of Marsupiomonas pelliculata gen. et sp. nov., a new member of the Pedinophyceae

A new species, Marsupiomonas pelliculata gen. et sp. nov. (Pedinophyceae), is described. A single flagellum emerges from a deep pit with a distinctive thickened margin. The flagellum has rigid fibrillar hairs which are probably formed in the perinuclear space. A short second flagellar basal body lies within the cell close to the basal body of the emergent flagellum and the flagellar root system consists of striated and microtubular roots. There is a distinctive theca covering all but the anterior end of the cell and also a single large bright green chloroplast with an immersed pyrenoid surrounded by a starch shell. The wide salinity tolerance of the species is discussed in relation to its distribution in estuarine and salt marsh habitats. The salient features of the new species—the insertion of the emergent flagellum into a deep pit and the possession of a theca—are also seen in Pedinomonas tenuis, and it is suggested that P. tenuis could be transferred to the new genus Marsupiomonas. The class Pedinophyceae now includes three genera (Pedinomonas, Resultor and Marsupiomonas) and the distinguishing features are discussed.     

Corynoplastis japonica gen. et sp. nov. and Dixoniellales ord. nov. (Rhodellophyceae,Rhodophyta) based on morphological and molecular evidence

A new unicellular red alga, Corynoplastis japonica gen. et sp. nov., is described from Tobishima, Japan. Cells are spherical, 18–33 µm in diameter, pale purple to brownish red and surrounded by a mucilaginous sheath. A single chloroplast with many lobes extends from the cell periphery to the cell center. A peripheral thylakoid is present. A pyrenoid occurs at each innermost chloroplast lobe end and one or two thylakoids are present in the pyrenoid matrix. The nucleus is eccentric to peripheral and Golgi bodies are scattered throughout the cell and associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Cells have a slow random gliding motility. The low molecular weight carbohydrate mannitol is present in the cells. Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that this alga is closely related to members of the genus Rhodella. A new order, Dixoniellales, is established for Dixoniella, Neorhodella and Glaucosphaera based on molecular and ultrastructural evidence (Golgi bodies associated only with the nucleus). The redefined order Rhodellales in which Rhodella and Corynoplastis are placed is characterized ultrastructurally by Golgi bodies scattered throughout the cytoplasm and associated with endoplasmic reticulum.     

A New Microsporangial Protostelid,Microglomus paxillus gen. and sp. nov.*

SYNOPSIS. Microglomus paxillus is described as a new genus and species of the subclass Protosteliida (Class Eumyceto-zoa). It has been isolated only once from casuarina bark collected in Oahu, Hawaii. The new organism is characterized by a uninucleate ameboid trophic stage that feeds on bacteria and by sporocarps with spike-like stalks terminated by microspo-rangia containing tetrads of ameboid protoplasts or thin-walled spores. No flagellate cells are produced. The tetrads are typically formed by successive bipartition following conjugate nuclear divisions in the sporogen. The cells of the tetrad are at first binucleate but soon become uninucleate as a result of nuclear degeneration. Variations in the process of sporogenesis are described.     

Gymnoxanthella radiolariae gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a dinoflagellate symbiont from solitary polycystine radiolarians

The symbiotic dinoflagellate Gymnoxanthella radiolariae T. Yuasa et T. Horiguchi gen. et sp. nov. isolated from polycystine radiolarians is described herein based on light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as molecular phylogenetic analyses of SSU and LSU rDNA sequences. Motile cells of G. radiolariae were obtained in culture, and appeared to be unarmored. The cells were 9.1–11.4 μm long and 5.7–9.4 μm wide, and oval to elongate oval in the ventral view. They possessed an counterclockwise horseshoe‐shaped apical groove, a nuclear envelope with vesicular chambers, cingulum displacement with one cingulum width, and the nuclear fibrous connective; all of these are characteristics of Gymnodinium sensu stricto (Gymnodinium s.s.). Molecular phylogenetic analyses also indicated that G. radiolariae belongs to the clade of Gymnodinium s.s. However, in our molecular phylogenetic trees, G. radiolariae was distantly related to Gymnodinium fuscum, the type species of Gymnodinium. Based on the consistent morphological, genetic, and ecological divergence of our species with the other genera and species of Gymnodinium s.s., we considered it justified to erect a new, separate genus and species G. radiolariae gen. et sp. nov. As for the peridinioid symbiont of radiolarians, Brandtodinium has been erected as a new genus instead of Zooxanthella, but the name Zooxanthella is still valid. Brandtodinium is a junior synonym of Zooxanthella. Our results suggest that at least two dinoflagellate symbiont species, peridinioid Zooxanthella nutricula and gymnodinioid G. radiolariae, exist in radiolarians, and that they may have been mixed and reported as “Z. nutricula” since the 19th century.     

Grammephora peyssonnelioides gen. et sp. nov. (Rhodophyta, Rhodymeniaceae) from the Solomon Islands, South Pacific

A new genus and species of red alga in the Rhodymeniaceae, Grammephora peyssonnelioides, is described from both shallow and deepwater habitats in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific. The new genus and species is characterized by prostrate overlapping lobes with a strongly cartilaginous flexible texture, distinct surface linear markings perpendicular to the growing margins, and a compact three to four celled medulla of relatively small refractive cells. Tetrasporangia are elongate and decussately divided, and occur in large scattered dorsal surface sori. Cystocarps are prominent and conical, on the dorsal surface of the blade, with a network of nutritive filaments and basal nutritive tissue around the suspended, centrally located carposporophyte, with all gonimoblast initials becoming carposporangia. The columnar fusion cell is uniquely crowned by a ring of discoid cells of nonalgal origin.     

Research note: Amorphochlora amoebiformis gen. et comb. nov. (Chlorarachniophyceae)

A chlorarachniophycean alga, Lotharella amoebiformis, which has been classified in the genus Lotharella is placed into a new genus Amorphochlora gen. nov., based on its phylogenetic position, which has been clarified by the recently accumulated molecular phylogenetic information, and the morphological difference between the vegetative cells of the Lotharella species. Following this taxonomic treatment, a new combination Amorphochlora amoebiformis comb. nov., is proposed.     

Ultrastructure and taxonomy of a marine photosynthetic stramenopile Phaeomonas parva gen. et sp. nov. (Pinguiophyceae) with emphasis on the flagellar apparatus architecture

Phaeomonas parva gen. et sp. nov., a marine photosynthetic stramenopile from oceanic water near the Caroline Islands, is described. Cells are naked and spherical to ovoid. The alga is motile with two laterally inserted flagella during the light period, whereas during the dark period, it absorbs the flagella and rounds up. The anterior (immature, No. 2) long flagellum possesses tubular tripartite mastigonemes. The posterior (mature, No. 1) short flagellum is smooth and has autofluorescence at the base. The cupshaped, yellowish‐brown chloroplast occupies the posterior half of the cell, and a pyrenoid occurs in the inner cavity of the cup‐shaped chloroplast. The flagellar apparatus has several unusual features. Two basal plates and a two‐gyred proximal helix in the flagellar transitional region may suggest that P. parva is related to the Pelagophyceae, Dictyochophyceae and Sulcochrysis biplastida, a photosynthetic stramenopile of uncertain taxonomic position. The R3 and R4 roots form a loop that resembles phagotrophic chrysophytes. However, this resemblance is superficial because Phaeomonas is not phagotrophic, its R3 root has a different number of microtubules and its R3 root does not split to form a food‐uptake mouth. Phaeomonas has a ‘bypassing root’, which is found only with the Phaeophyceae, Giraudyopsis stellifera (Chrysomerophyceae), and Ankylochrysis lutea (probably a member of the Pelagophyceae). The taxonomic position of P. parva could not be determined solely from ultrastructural features. However, molecular phylogeny and biochemical analyses (published separately) strongly supported a relationship between P. parva and four other monotypic strameno‐piles, Glossomastix, Pinguiochrysis, Pinguiococcus and Polypodochrysis. Although these algae are morphologically distinct, they have unusually high percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentoic acid. This unusual assemblage of stramenopiles is classified in a new class, the Pinguiophyceae (published separately), and P. parva is its only biflagellate member.     

Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov., novel halophilic archaea isolated from a marine solar saltern

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains GX3(T) and GX26(T) were isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern near the Weihai city of Shandong Province, China. Cells from the two strains were pleomorphic and stained Gram-negative, colonies were red-pigmented. Strains GX3(T) and GX26(T) were able to grow at 25-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4-5.1M NaCl (optimum 3.1M), at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and neither strain required Mg(2+) for growth. Cells lyse in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was 8% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were PA (phosphatidic acid), PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PGP-Me (phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester) and three major glycolipids (GL1, GL2 & GL3) chromatographically identical to S-TGD-1 (sulfated galactosyl mannosy glucosyl diether), S-DGD-1 (sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether), and DGD-1 (mannosyl glucosyl diether) respectively, an unidentified lipid (GL4) was also detected in strain GX26(T). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) formed a distinct clade with the closest relative, Haladaptatus paucihalophilus (89.9-92.4% and 90.4-92.7, respectively). The rpoB' gene similarities between strains GX3(T) and GX26(T), and between the two strains and the closest relative, Halorussus rarus TBN4(T) are 96.5%, 84.3% and 83.9%, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) are 67.3 mol% and 67.2 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) was 44%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) represent two novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain GX3(T)=CGMCC 1.10384(T)=JCM 17115(T)) and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov. (type strain GX26(T)=CGMCC 1.10386(T)=JCM 17117(T)).     

Neoleptonema yongpilii E.-Y. Lee & I.K. Lee,gen. et sp. nov. (Phaeophyceae), based on morphological characters and RuBisCO spacer sequences

An elachistacean epiphyte, Neoleptonema yongpilii E.-Y. Lee & I.K. Lee, gen. et sp. nov., is reported from Korean coasts. The plants are distinguished by having unbranched assimilatory filaments with intercalary plurilocular sporangia as well as lateral plurilocular sporangia from the cortex. The new genus differs from the genera Leptonematella P. Silva and Halothrix Reinke by having pod-shaped plurilocular sporangia on the medulla, and from Elachista Duby and Proselachista Y.P. Lee & Garbary by having intercalary plurilocular sporangia and a poorly developed medulla. The phylogenetic relationships of Neoleptonema yongpilii were inferred from the spacer sequences between the genes coding for the large and small subunits of the RuBisCO gene. The new genus is a member of a poorly resolved clade consisting of several genera within the Elachistaceae, within which it is more closely related to Halothrix and Elachista nipponica than to Leptonematella.     

Nudasporestrobus ningxicus gen. et sp. nov., a novel sigillarian megasporangiate cone from the Bashkirian (Early Pennsylvanian) of Ningxia, northwestern China

A large monosporangiate fructification Nudasporestrobus ningxicus gen. et sp. nov. and its in situ megaspores are described from the lower Pennsylvanian of Xiaheyan, Ningxia, northwestern China. The cylindrical strobilus is at least 210 mm long, 15–25 mm wide, and possesses a 60–70 mm incomplete peduncle. There are 8–10 imbricate sporophylls arranged in ascending spirals. The sporophylls consist of two parts, a horizontal deltoid pedicel and an upwards-bent, concave lateral lamina; a heel is formed at the corner of sporophyll. Each sporophyll adaxially bears a single elliptical sporangium. The laevigate in situ megaspores in each sporangium with developed subgula formed on the proximal pole. The megaspores are of the Sublagenicula nuda-type and are here described for the first time in situ. The hypothetical parent plant is interpreted as Sigillaria sp., the only vegetative lycopsid remains in the taphonomic association.