A NEW SPECIES OF EOGINKGOITES FROM THE UPPER TRIASSIC OF NORTH-CAROLINA, USA

The foliage genus Eoginkgoites represents a superficially ginkgoalean bennettitalean leaf restricted to the Late Triassic of North America. A new species, Eoginkgoites sydneyi is described from the Pekin Format ion in North Carolina. The number of lateral pinna pairs is typically four, but varies from three to five. Previously described species have a maximum of three lateral pairs. The new form is most similar in mor phology to E. gigantea from the upper Stockton Formation of Pennsylvan ia. Eoginkgoites sydneyi and the Chinle Formation species E. davidsoni i share several cuticular features unusual to the Bennettitales includ ing straight anticlinal epidermal cell walls and radiating striations on the stomata guard cell thickenings. The additional pinna pairs of t he new species suggests support for the hypothesis that the Eoginkgoit es leaf morphology was derived from a typical pinnate form by loss of lower pinnae and shortening of the rachis. Recognition of this unusual leaf morphology in the Triassic provides further evidence for an emer ging picture of greater morphological diversity in the early Bennettit ales.