Echinochara spinosa

Name

Echinochara spinosa

Rank

Species

Generic Name

[Genus] Echinochara

Authors (Pub.)

Peck R. E.  

Publication

North American Mesozoic Charophyta [1957/8]

Journal

Professional Papers / United States Geological Survey

Volume

294

Issue

A

Page number

22

Year

1957

Parent Taxon

[Genus] Echinochara

Fossil Status

gyrogonites

Stratigraphy

Kimmeridgian

Location

Garfield County, Colorado, USA

Paleoregion

America (North)

Data for Holotypus

Repository

U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, USA

Repository Number

328

Diagnosis

Heavily calcified species with dextrally spiraled cortical tubes composed of short cells that produce 5 long spines at their distal ends: 2 spines on concave lateral slopes next to central tube extend proximally, and 3 on convex upper side extend distally. Spines approximately 0.7-0.8 millimeter long; outer ones extend in same direction as cortical tube and completely cover exterior of next distal cortical cell. Middle spine of upper 3 undivided or divided into 3 short spines. Internodes long; longest measured 6.5 millimeters without nodes at either end. Nodes short, swollen, bearing 6 branchlets and with no evidence of branches or with single branch. Lower ends of nodes readily recognized by spine cells pointing upward over and above node, and pointing down immediately below. Gyrogonites (oogonia) subcylindrical to long oval, about 650/i long; the vertical extension of the enveloping cells at the summit accounts for about one-fifth the length. Spiral cells smooth to slightly convex, lateral contacts undulating, 14-15 spiral ridges in lateral view. Utricles thick, composed of 2 or 3 layers of cells that repeatedly branch upward and resemble spine cells of cortex. Utricles preserved as calcite are of differing shapes, marked near base with prominent attachment scar, thinner on the interior side.