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Pleiogynium mitchellii
Pleiogynium mitchellii M.E. Collinson, Manchester, V. Wilde Abh. Senckenberg. Naturf. Ges., 570: 19. 29 Jun 2012
- Name
- Pleiogynium mitchellii
- Rank
- Species
- Generic Name
- [Genus] Pleiogynium
- Authors (Pub.)
- Collinson M. E.
Manchester S. R.
Wilde V.
- Publication
- Fossil fruits and seeds of the Middle Eocene Messel biota, Germany [2012/6]
- Journal
- Abhandlungen [herausgegeben von] der Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Gesellschaft
- Volume
- 570
- Page number
- 19
- Year
- 2012
- Parent Taxon
- [Genus] Pleiogynium
- Fossil Status
- fruits
- Stratigraphy
- Lutetian
- Location
- Messel, Landkreis Darmstadt-Dieburg, Hesse, Germany
- Paleoregion
- Eurasia (Europe)
Data for Holotypus
- Repository
- Senckenberg Naturhistorische Sammlungen Frankfurt, Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Repository Number
- SM.B Me 2227
- Diagnosis
- Fruit circular in polar view, c. 17 mm diameter, broadly lenticular in equatorial view, and about 6 mm high, although probably foreshortened through compaction (thickness in this plane suggests an originally oblate fruit being relatively tough and rigid). Fruit with c.10 pronounced longitudinal ribs. SRXTM reveals 10 locules, each aligned with these longitudinal ribs. Fully developed locules 1.2–1.5 mm wide, and 2.5–3 mm in dorsiventral dimension, 3.5–4 mm high. On the apical face, there is a broad central depression (occupying almost a third of the diameter) from which the ridges radiate. Along each ridge is a central radially elongate elliptical protrusion, distinguished by difference in surface tissue. These areas are interpreted as opercula. Isodiametric cells occur on opercula surface in contrast to radially oriented fibers on either side of them. On the opposite face the fruit narrows uniformly toward a central circular attachment scar, 2.5 mm in diameter, with a central smaller ellipse, 0.4 mm diameter. Fruit surface between the ribs irregular. Sections through prominent vascular bundles are seen in digital sections arranged in a circle alternating with the locules.
