The magnificent seven: the stratigraphically most important mid-Cretaceous terrestrial palynofloral species in the north Western Desert, Egypt

Introduction This paper presents the essential taxonomic information needed to easily identify seven of the stratigraphically most important terrestrial palynofloral species in dating the subsurface mid-Cretaceous strata in the north Western Desert of Egypt. It synthesizes decades of palynological work on such economically important rock sequences in the southeast Mediterranean. The seven species, Crybelosporites pannuceus, Elaterocolpites castelainii, Elateroplicites africaensis, Elaterosporites klaszii, Afropollis jardinus, Cretacaeiporites densimurus, and Reyrea polymorphus have long been used by many authors to define biostratigraphic zonations for the mid-Cretaceous sedimentary sequences in Egypt. Methods A comprehensive taxonomic overview that includes ample details and clear illustrations has been compiled. In addition to the original description of the seven species and their genera, an attempt has also been made to provide additional explanations in simplified taxonomic terminology. Conclusions This paper provides novice palynologists the tool to understand and recognize the key identification features of each species in a more timely manner instead of going through old, mostly hard to find, literature.