Rehamnia (Lycopodiophyta), a new enigmatic Late Devonian plant from Morocco

Rehamnia michardis Oukassou and Naugolnykh, gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Late Famennian of the Foum El Mejez area (Northern Rehamna, Moroccan Meseta). This is the first record of Late Devonian plant from the Rehamna Hercynian massif. The new enigmatic plant remains are preserved as compression and impression in quartzitic sandstone of the top of Dalaa Formation. The material is represented by six practically complete specimens including holotype. General morphology of the stems, leaf scars and phylloids are similar to the same organographic structures of some representatives of lycopodiopsids s.l. (division Lycopodiophyta). The study opens many new gateways for deeper understanding of the diversity of Devonian land plants, with some respect to Gondwana paleofloristic realm.

Automated summary

The study describes a new genus and species, Rehamnia michardis Oukassou and Naugolnykh, from the Late Famennian of the Foum El Mejez area in Northern Rehamna, Moroccan Meseta. This is the first record of a Late Devonian plant from the Rehamna Hercynian massif. The new plant remains, preserved in quartzitic sandstone, show similarities in morphology to some representatives of lycopodiopsids s.l. (division Lycopodiophyta), providing insights into the diversity of Devonian land plants in the Gondwana paleofloristic realm.