Cordaites borassifolius (Sternberg) Unger (Cordiatales) from the Radnice Basin (Bolsovian, Czech Republic)
Abstract
The remains of cordaitalean plants are an important element in Bolsovian plant fossil assemblages from the Radnice Basin (Czech Republic). Cordaites borassifolius was quite a large tree.
The abaxial cuticle has stomata arranged in wide stomatiferous bands. A transverse crypt above the stoma is an important diagnostic feature.
The cordaitalean leaves, twigs, pith casts, fertile organs and seeds found are referable to a single natural species. Male Florinanthus volkmannii and probably female Cordaitanthus ovatus organs were associated with C. borassifolius.
Cuticles from the scales and long bracts of Florinanthus volkmannii have been studied in detail. Many bilateral monosaccate pollen grains were separated from Florinanthus volkmannii.
The pith cast belong to the species Artisia approximata. The seeds are small and of the “Cardiocarpus-type”.
Cordaites borassifolius grew in wet, peat-forming habitats.