On the Cuticles of some Recent and Fossil Fagaceae.

Abstract

An investigation of the leaf of Dicotylophyllum Stopesæ shows that it must be referred to the family Fagaceæ, and included in the genus Nothofagus as distinct from Fagus. Hence it is suggested that it be called Nothofagus Stopesæ (Bandulska). Both the external form and the cuticular structure of the fossil named Fagus bournensis indicate its close connection with Fagus rather than with Nothofagus. The general external characters of the Bournemouth species are in striking agreement with those of Fagus sylvatica. The cuticle is more hairy, has somewhat smeller stomata, narrower venules and smaller epidermal cells, and is more xerophytic in habit. It is in all probability a specifically distinct form, and I therefore propose to call it Fagus bournensis. Kräusel (1919) describes Fagus leaf-impressions from the Tertiary of Silesia, and considers that F. sylvatica and F. ferruginea both occur there, with transition forms between the two. The cuticular measurements of F. bournensis certainly suggest an intermediate position for this fossil between F. sylvatica and F. ferruginea (= F. grandifolia).