Erdtmanispermum juncalense sp nov., a new species of the extinct order Erdtmanithecales from the Early Cretaceous (probably Berriasian) of Portugal

Well-preserved lignitic seeds are described from Early Cretaceous sediments (probably Berriasian) exposed in the Vale Painho clay pit complex near the small village of Juncal in the Estremadura region, Western Portugal. The seeds are small, weakly triangular in transverse section, about 1.05-1.5 mm long and 0.75-1.1 mm broad, with elongated distinctly pointed micropylar area at the apex and rounded base. The seeds have clear affinity with the extinct Erdtmanispermum (Erdtmanithecales) and are assigned to a new species Erdtmanispermum juncalense based on the distinct rugulate outer envelope and the ovoid to guttiform outline. The description of the mesofossils provided here is the first report of Erdtmanithecales seeds from the Early Cretaceous of Portugal and adds to our knowledge of the diversity and geographic distribution of Cretaceous Eucommiidites-producing plants. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.