MACROTAENIOPTERIDEAE, n. fam.
TRIASSIFLORITES GRANDIFLORA, n. gen., n. sp.
Figs. 442-462
General. After the mine dump at Winterpock had been successfully explored by the writer for many years and after about half of the rock debris had been removed for road repairs, a slab about 14 x 18 cm in size of rather hard, brownish shale was picked up, which contained a startling impression, at first believed to be a coniferous cone. When more closely examined, its main structure revealed a broad tapering stem equipped with long spiral-dichopodially arranged, pointed and curved bracts, not unlike those of a Cycas male inflorescence. These bracts were covered by rows and clumps of innumerable, minute, lanceolate to linear leaflets, which appeared to be of protective or sporophyllous purpose (figs. 442- 450).
On carrying out further excavations, other parts of inflorescences were found, including two complete cones, one with a solitary, unattached seed, which could have occupied certain positions at the base between two bracts. Micro- sporangia, though sparse, were present, and the vascular trends established. Most of the sporangialleaflets appeared to be sterile. It soon became apparent that these "cones" were always associated with leaves of the common species Macrotaeniopteris grandifolia, although they were never actually connected. Portions of such leaves were found imbedded between the microphyllous bracts, indicating a loose, soft inflorescence. Patient search over many years yielded about 12 more or less complete cones and 30 lesser pieces, such as isolated bracts, either denuded, or covered with microphyllous leaflets. Although it may give the impression that the large number of fragments of this species indicates an abundant growth, they really were rather rare, if for no other reason than never having been observed before in the Virginia Triassic coal swamps. This does not exclude the possibility that the leaves and trees, which bore these reproductive structures were more or less dominant in this environment, what doubtless was the case with the genus Macrotaeniopteris.
Most fossils of this new species were found in the same type of sediment, the actual plant substance being displaced by fine clayey deposits, but in some cases, the overlapping sporophyll components could be separated and some insight into their ontogenetic growth and functions obtained. There are also imprints left of faint cuticular or cellular structure, but stomata were not recognized. Neither were pollen or spores so far detected. A few essential details are still missing to afford a complete account, but this flowering structure has not found yet an exact prototype within the present or past flora.
The primary divisions of the cone-like inflorescence consist of a) the substantial, broad stem; b) numerous long, curved bracts attached to the stem; c) leaf-like scales, being fertile or sterile, investing the bracts; d) ovoid, corolla- like flower buds between the bracts; e) axillary shoots with seed scales and terminal gynoecium, within the flower bud; f) asymmetrical ovoid, sector-shaped seed or seeds within bud-like containers, formed by protecting leaf, or cover scales, being of the same shape as the microphyllous, or bract scales.
The inflorescence as a whole, resembles a loosely arranged cone, up to 20 cm in length and 8 cm in width, narrowing to a bluntly pointed or rounded apex. It is about widest in the middle, tapering gradually off toward the base, disclosing