Note on the only known record of a cupulate seed from the Middle Pennsylvanian Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

The only known lyginopterid cupulate seed collected from the Middle Pennsylvanian Sydney Coalfield in Nova Scotia, Canada, comprises a coalified cupule surrounding an ovate structure 3×2 mm in size that is interpreted as an ovule. The ovule is white, reflecting its calcitic mode of preservation, and lacks cellular remains. As the specimen is incomplete, a detailed taxonomic determination is not possible, but its affinities lie within the lyginopterid (or hydrasperman) pteridosperms. This significant discovery of a lyginopterid pteridosperm aug-ments previous accounts of medullosalean pteridosperms from the flora of Sydney Coalfield.