Plant macrofossils from the Rhaetian of Einberg near Coburg (Bavaria, Germany). Part 2. Cycadophyta and Ginkgophyta

A plant macrofossil assemblage from Rhaetian strata of a quarry near Einberg (Franconia, Germany) comprises a diverse array of cycadophyte and ginkgophyte remains. These are described by means of macromorphology and epidermal anatomy. Three cycadalean and two bennettitalean species have been identified (Pseudoctenis cteniforme, Nilssonia sp. and Becklesia sp.; Pterophyllum aequale and Pterophyllum zygotacticum). Moreover, some unidentifiable cycadophyte leaf fragments have been encountered. Ginkgoales and Czekanowskiales are represented by Sphenobaiera boeg-gildiana and putatively Arberophyllum sp., and by Czekanowskia nathorstii and Leptostrobus sp., respectively. A comparison between the flora from Einberg with the Rhaetian floras of adjacent lo-calities (viz. Wfistenwelsberg, Heilgersdorf and Kipfendorf) reveals distinct regional differences in the cycadalean, bennettitalean and ginkgoalean portions between the respective floras; this is most likely induced by local ecological disparities of varying habitats. Moreover, brief comparisons with Rhaetian floras from adjacent European areas are made.

Automated summary

A diverse assemblage of cycadophyte and ginkgophyte remains was found in Rhaetian strata in Germany. The macromorphology and epidermal anatomy of these remains were described. Regional differences in the cycadalean, bennettitalean, and ginkgoalean portions of the flora were observed between Einberg and adjacent localities, possibly due to ecological disparities. Brief comparisons with Rhaetian floras from other European areas were also made.