On the genus Pantophyllum Rigby 1984

Abstract

The nomenclature of Cordaites-type leaves in the Permian Gondwana of India is re-examined. The authors agree that on the basis of the cuticular features these leaves may not be assigned to the genus Cordaites Unger. The hitherto commonly used name Noeggerathiopsis Feistmantel 1879 is also unacceptable because the type specimen of the generic type [Noeggerathiopsis hislopii (Bunbury 1861) Feistmantel 1879a] is a fragment of a leaf that probably had ginkgopsid affinities. The type specimen originates from the Kamthi Formation which according to the new interpretation is dated as Triassic in age. It is therefore proposed that all Cordaites-type leaves from the Permian Gondwana of India earlier placed in the genus Noeggerathiopsis should be transferred to the genus Pantophyllum.