Sporophytes and Gametophytes of Polytrichaceae from the Campanian (Late Cretaceous) of Georgia, U. S. A.

Abstract

A new genus and species (Eopolytrichum antiquum) of the moss family Polytrichaceae are described for fossil sporophyte capsules and associated gametophytes from the early Campanian (Late Cretaceous) Buffalo Creek Member of the Gaillard Formation in central Georgia, U.S.A. The capsules show diagnostic features of the Polytrichaceae but differ from those of all extant genera. The capsules are terete in cross section, somewhat dorsiventrally flattened, and have a swollen, asymmetrical apophysis and mammillose exothecium. Stomatal complexes, each surrounded by a ring of subsidiary cells, are confined to the apophysis. The operculum is tall and dome shaped, but the calyptra and beak of the operculum are not preserved. The remains of a peristomial membrane are present around the rim of the capsule after the operculum has dehisced, but peristome teeth are absent, and the epiphragm is retained in the operculum. Spores are alete, spherical, and echinulate. Associated sterile and fertile gametophytes have leaves wi...