Maheshwariella spinicornuta, a new gymnospermouis seed from the Karharbari Formation

Abstract

Maheshwariella spinicornuta sp. nov. is established for an orthotropus, platyspermic, the bilaterally symmetrical seed having two long tubular expansions (‘horns’) at the micropylar end. The ‘horns’ have characteristic spinate appendages. In this character, this species differs from the type species, viz., M. bicornuta Pant & Nautiyal. On the basis of overall morphology, Cornucarpus (Cordaicarpus) furcate (Surange & Lele) Maithy is transferred to the genus Maheshwariella Certain dispersed seeds are ascribed by Pant and Nautiyal to Buriadia ‘heterophylla’ are found to be indistinguishable from M. bicornuta.