Additions to the family Miroviaceae (Coniferae) from the Lower Cretaceous of West Greenland and Germany: Mirovia groenlandica n. sp., Tritaenia crassa (Seward) comb, nov., and Tritaenia linkii Magdefrau et Rudolph emend.

Abstract

The genus Tritaenia with its type species T. linkii Magdefrau et Rudolph emend, from the Wealden of Germany has been referred to the family Miroviaceae Bose et Manum, comprising Mesozoic and mostly Arctic conifer foliage with ‘Sciadopitys-like’ stomatal distribution. Two other additions to the Miroviaceae, both from the Lower Cretaceous of West Greenland, arc Pityophyllum crassum Seward, now attributed to Tritaenia, and Mirovia groenlandica n. sp., described on leafy stems and detached leaves. Tritaenia has distinct stomatal bands within the median stomatal zone. This and other stomatal distributions in the Miroviaceae and their implications for the interpretation of leaf venation are discussed with the conclusion that two veins are most likely indicated. Diagnostic characters and stratigraphic and geographic distribution of the presently known miroviaceous taxa are summarized.