Gladiopomum

Name

Gladiopomum

Rank

Genus

Authors (Pub.)

Adendorff R. McLoughlin S. Bamford M. K.  

Publication

A new genus of ovuliferous glossopterid fructifications from South Africa [2002]

Journal

Palaeontologia Africana

Volume

38

Page number

4

Year

2002

Parent Taxon

[Order] Dictyopteridiales

Fossil Status

reproductive organs (seed)

Type

Gladiopomum dutoitides

Diagnosis

Isobilateral, dorsi ventral, pedicellate ovulate fructification consisting of a receptacle with a broad, peripheral wing. Receptacle lanceolate, elliptical to lorate, with a high length to width ratio (2:1 to 7:1); apex extended to form a pronounced, acuminate extension or spine. Wing broad, slightly less than or equal to width of receptacle, with fine striae and fluting orientated perpendicular to receptacle, flute definition decreasing towards the margin. Wing margin entire, discontinuous at base, forming a truncate to convex lobe on either side of pedicel insertion. Wing tapering abruptly at apex near base of apical spine. Fertile surface of the receptacle bearing numerous, closely spaced seed scars. The sterile surface is characterized by a fan-shaped network of bifurcating and anastomosing veins, with strongly parallel venation along the central axis of the receptacle. Marginal veins on receptacle pass between the seed scars and are continuous with flutes developed on the wing.