Early Permian Vesiculate Pollen from Texas, U.S.A.

Abstract

Twenty-five vesiculate pollen types and related taxa of Early Permian age are reported, and the new taxa are described. The genera identified are: Alisporites, Complexisporites, Endosporiles, Floriniles, Hamiapollenites, Nuskoisporites, Pilyosporites, Platysaccus, Potonieisporites, Schizaeoisporites, Siriatites, Sirotersporites, Sulcatisporites, Vesicaspora, Vestrigisporites, Vittatina and Wilsonites. Vesiculate pollen taxa increased rapidly in Early Permian time. with this increase it is not surprising to observe considerable morphologic diversity. For example, Vittatina (LUBER) Wilson, 1962, lacks vesicles. Specimens corresponding to Vitlatina morphologically but possessing definite rudimentary sacci are herein described. These specimens are the basis for a new genus named Costapollenites. The pollen of Vittatina, Hamiapollenites, and Costapollenites all possess a costate or ribbed proximal surface, which in proximal view may resemble the pollen of Ephedra and welwilschia. However, Vittatina, Hamiapollenites, and Costapollenites differ from Ephedra and Welwitschia in that their costae are restricted to their proximal surfaces although they may possess distal bands at right angles to the proximal costae.