STOCKMANSELLA-REMYI SP. NOV. FROM THE EIFELIAN - NEW ASPECTS IN THE RHYNIACEAE (SENSU-HASS-ET-REMY, 1991)

Compression-impression axes from Eifelian strata consist of bifurcatin g main axes and lateral branches, lateral sporangia and rhizoid bearin g bulges, The specimens are placed in the genus Stockmansella and a ne w species S. remyi is formally described. The permineralised water-con ducting cells of the central strand show partial wall thickenings of t he S-type. The new taxon is included in the Rhyniaceae (sensu Hass et Remy, 1991) and currently represents the youngest representative of th is family. The morphological variability and development of S. remyi a re discussed together with some aspects of the evolution of the Rhynia ceae. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.