Permian Sphenopsids 

From Antarctica

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 613-F
Permian Sphenopsids 

From Antarctica

By J. F. RIGBY

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 613-F

Descriptions and distribution of species of the 

fossil plant genera Phyllotheca, Schizoneura, 

Paracalamites, and Umbellaphyllites

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1969
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

WALTER J. HICKEL, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

William T. Pecora, Director

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office 

Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 45 cents (paper cover)
CONTENTS

Abstract.--. __ . __. ___

Introduction. ____ _ _ _ ___.

Acknowledgments -____- __ _ _ __

Descriptions of flora. ________ _ ___

Page 

-_-_..._ _.. Fl

-___.-_- ._.. 1

1

1

2

2

7

7

or parallel-ribbed

Page

F9 

10

10

11

11

13

ILLUSTRATIONS

PLATE

[Plates follow index]

1. Paracalamites australis Rigby.

2. Umbellaphyllites ivini (Walkom) Rigby, Phyllotheca, Paracalamites australis Rigby, and Schizoneura gondwanensi 

Feistmantel.

3. Sphenopsid leaves, plant organs, and Paracalamites aiistralis Rigby.

FIGURES 1, 2. Diagrammatic representations of:

1. Nodal rib pattern in Paracalamites australis..- _________________--_-_--_-

2. Irregularities in rib pattern in part of upper node of Paracalamites australis.

Page

F5

6

TABLES

Page 

TABLE 1. Dimensions of leaf whorls of some specimens of Umbellaphyllites and Raniganjia. ________________________ F9

2. Distribution of Gondwanaland sphenopsid genera by continents.______________________--_--_--_----_-- 11

in

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

PERMIAN SPHENOPSIDS FROM ANTARCTICA

By J. F. KIGBY

ABSTKACT

Sphenopsids in the Permian of Antarctica are represented 

almost entirely by leafless stems of Paraealamites australis from 

23 localities distributed throughout all areas of known Lower 

Gondwana sedimentary deposits. These stems are abundant in 

a few localities where they represent almost all the plant remains available. P. australis stems are characterized by adjacent and apposing ribs that are interconnected at the nodes.

Leaf remains are rare; they are known from eight localities. 

Sclifeoneura gondmanensis and Umbellaphyllites irini are each 

known from one locality. Remains at other localities are specifically or generically indeterminate: Phyllotheca sp. represents 

the only other leaf definitely recognized. Umbellaphyllites ivini 

is restricted to the Lower Permian Greta Coal Measures; the 

other species are long ranging and widely distributed. No precise 

stratigraphic age determinations are therefore possible from 

recognition of these sphenopsid species.

INTRODUCTION

The distribution of sphenopsids in Antarctica has 

already been indicated by Rigby and Schopf (1969). 

Leafless stems of P(tracedamites au-strdlis represent almost the entire fossil record of sphenopsids in the Permian of Antarctica. These stems are identical with stems 

found elsewhere in Lower Gondwana deposits. Other 

remains include determinable and indeterminable leaf 

whorls and leaves. These are limited to only a few localities and each determinable species is restricted to a 

single locality. It is striking that sphenopsid stems are 

common and foliage is rare in Antarctica.

The only other part of Gondwanaland where this type 

of preservation is also as striking is in the Perth and 

Collie Basins of Western Australia, where stems are 

fairly common, but leaves are restricted to TJnibellapliyllites minima known only from a single locality. 

Species of PTiyllotlieca, form a significant part of the 

flora in many parts of Gondwanaland; Schizoneura is 

less common, and other genera are rare.

Occurrences of nonfoliaceous stems are usually accompanied by leaves of either Pliyll'Otheca or ScMzoneum. 

These two genera apparently occur within different 

strata at any particular locality. Other sphenopsid genera based on leaves also appear to occur alone 

within any particular stratum. These rarely found genera are jSteUotheca, UnibettapliyHites, and Raniganjia.

The genus Splietwpliyllum is common only in India, 

but it is known from elsewhere in Gondwanaland. Its 

habit is uncertain, but SphefwphyUitm appears to hs.ve 

been different from other ancient herbaceous and arborescent forms that had a habit similar to the extr.nt 

Eguisetwm. The reconstruction of Sphenophyllum 

m/ultimme given by Darrah (1968) may also be typical 

for this genus in Gondwanaland.

Within the present report., fossils are discussed in the 

following order: stems, identifiable leaves, nonidentifiable leaves, and other remains.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Studies of Antarctic paleobotany and palynology hr.ve 

been supported by the Office of Antarctic Research, National Science Foundation (project AG-12, formerly 

GA ITT). This particular report was completed with 

funds generously provided by Ohio State University, 

through the Institute of Polar Studies, for a period of 

2 months after funds provided by the National Science 

Foundation had been exhausted. In addition, thanks r.re 

due to U.S. Naval Support Squadron VX 6, which was 

responsible for logistic aid in fieldwork. The assistance 

of those who provided materials for the collections, as 

specifically indicated in the text, is also gratefully 

acknowledged.

PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS

The only previous reports of sphenopsid remains in 

the Permian of Antarctica have been made by Plumstead (1962) and Eigby and Schopf (1969).

Plumstead (1962) recorded specimens of sphenopsHs 

from the Theron Mountains. Her single specimen of A nnularia sp. is now considered to be a possible record of 

ScMzoneura sp. Her specimens of Phyllotheca sp. cf. P. 

austral-fa, which were leafless stems, are now included in 

Paraccdamites australis.

Fl
F2 CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

Rigby and Schopf, (19.69) listed regions of Antarctica 

where sphenopsids occur; their distribution is extensive. 

The present report is a detailed discussion of the 

sphenopsids referred to by Rigby and Schopf (1969).

DESCRIPTIONS OF FLORA

Genus PARACALAMITES Zalessky 

Paracalamites australis Rigby

Plate 1, figures 1-9; plate 2, figures 6-8; plate 3, figures 4-8; 

text figures 1, 2

1861. Phyllotheca indica Bunbury. Geol. Soe. London Quart. 

Jour., v. 17, p. 335-338 [part only], pi. 10, figs. 6, 9; 

pi. 11, figs. 1, 2.

1879. Bquisetaceous stalks. Feistmantel, India Geol. Survey 

Mem., Palaeontologlca Indica, r. 3 (Fossil Flora Gondiwana System), pt. 1, p. 8, pi. 1, figs. 4, 5.

1880. Schisoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel, India Geol. Survey Mem., Palaeontologica Indica, v. 3 (Fossil Flora 

Gondwana System), pt. 2, p. 63, pi. 5A, fig. 3; pi. 7A, 

fig. la; pi. 9A, figs. 1-7.

1881. Equisetaceous stalk. Feistmantel, India Geol. Survey 

Mem., Palaeontologica Indica, v. 3 (Fossil Flora Gondwana System), pt. 1 (supp.), p. 52, pi. 30, fig. 1.

1882. Equisetaceous stem. Feistmantel, India Geol. Survey 

Mem., Palaeontologica Indica, v. 4 (Fossil Flora Gondwana System), pt. 1, p. 23, pi. 11, fig. 5.

1890. Phyllotheca australis Brongniart. Feistmantel, Uhlonosne 

Utvary V Tasmanii [spisuw poctenych jubilejni cenoukral. c. spolecnosti nauk v. Praze.] v. 3, p. 90, pi. 7, 

figs. 2,15 only.

1890. Rachis of ferns(?) Kidston in Foord, Geol. Mag., ser. 3, 

v. 7, p. 102, figs. 6, 6a.

1895. Pliyllothecal sp. Etheridge, New South Wales Geol. Survey Records, v. 4, pt. 4, p. 149 (stems), pi. 18, figs. 1, 2.

1900. Schizoneura?. Potonie, H., Deutsch Ost-Afrika, in Palaont. 

Ergebnisse W. Burnhardt, pt. 2. Berlin, D. Reimer (E. 

Vohsen). v. 7, p. 502, text fig. 28.

1902. ScMsoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel [probably]. Zeiller, Palaeontologioal Indica, new ser., v. 2, pt. 1, p. 27 

[only], pi. 6, figs. 2-4.

1904. ArcJiaeocalamites scrobiculatus (Schlotheim) Stur. Chapman, Royal Soe. Victoria Proc., v. 16, p. 315, pi. 27, 

figs. 8-9.

1905. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Arber, British 

Mus. (Nat. History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris Flora, p. 5-12 [part only], text fig. 3.

1905. Phyllotheca australis Brongniart. Arber, British Mus. 

(Nat. History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris 

Flora, p. 19-20 [part only] ; stem casts and impressions 

only.

1905. Phyllotheca indica Bunbury. Arber, British Mus. (Nat. 

History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris Flora, 

p. 22, stem casts only.

1905. Phyllotheca deliquescent (Goeppert) Schmalhausen. Arber, British Mus. (Nat. History) Catalogue Fossil 

Plants Glossopteris Flora, p. 22-24.

1905. Phyllotheca seilleri Etheridge. Arber, British Mus. (Nat. 

History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris Flora, 

p. 28-29 [part only].

1905. Phyllotheca sp. Arber, British Mus. (Nat. History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris Flora, p. 29-30. specimen V3620 only. 

1908. Phyllotheca sp. White, D., in White, I. C., Coal Measures,

Associated Rocks, South Brazil, Rept., pt. 3, p. 420-423,

428-433, pi. 5, figs. 3-5. 

1911. Phyllotheca australis Brongniart. Halle, Uppsala Univ.

Geol. Inst. Bull., v. 11, p. 163-166 [part only], pi. 1.

figs. 12-14. 

1911. Phyllotheca cf. deliquescens (Goeppert) 'Schmalhausen.

Halle, Uppsala Univ. Geol. Inst. Bull., v. 11, p. 166-167

[part only], pi. 1, fig. 26.

1921. Phyllotheca sp. Kurtz, Cordoba Acad. Nac. Ciencias Acta 

[Argentina], v. 7, pi. 11, fig. D and possibly others; pi. 

26, fig. 364.

1922. Phyllotheca sp. Walkom, Queensland Geol. Survey Pub. 

2T0, p. 7, pi. 1, fig. 2.

1923. IPhyllotheca sp. Glauert, Royal Soe. Western Australia

Jour., v. 10, pt. 3, p. 8. 

1923. cf. Phyllotheca australis Bronguiart. Seward and Walton,

Geol. Soe. London Quart. Jour., v. 79, p. 318, pi. 19,

fig. 6. 

1929. Phyllotheca sp. Walton, Southern Rhodesia Geol. Survey

Bull., 15, p. 64, pi. A, fig. 1.

1934. Tallos de equisetales. Harrington, Mus. La Plata [Argentina] Revista, v. 34, p. 320, pi. 4, figs. 3-5.

1935. Tiges ou rameaux Equisetales. Carpentier, Madagascar

Geol. Serv. des Mines Annales, v. 5, p. 10, pi. 2, figs.

1-3. 

1935. Diaphragme d'Equisetinee. Carpentier, Madagascar Geol.

Serv. des Mines Annales, v. 5, p. 10, pi. 4, fi?. 1. 

1935. Rameau d'Equisetinee. Carpentier, Madagascar Geol. Serv.

des Mines Annales, v. 5, p. 10, pi. 5, fig. 1. 

1941. Phyllotheca sp. Read, Brasil Div. Geol. Mineralogia Mon.

12, p. 90-91, pi. 3, figs. 4-6. 

1943. Schizoneura sp. Teixeira, Soe. Geol. Portugal Bol., v. 2,

pt. 1, p. 7, pi. 2, figs. 8-10; and, Teixeira, Anais Junta

Invest. Colonials [Portugal], v. 2, no. 2, 1947, p. 18,

26, pi. 15, figs. 3-5. 

1954. Phyllotheca sp. Mendes, Univ. Sao Paulo [B~azil], Fac.

Filos. Cienc. Letras. Bol. 175, Geol. 10, p. 69, pi. 1,

figs. 6, 7. 

1956. Stems. Surange, Palaeobotanist, v. 4, p. 83, pi. 1, figs. 1-3;

text fig. 1.

1959. Calamites. Teixeira and Goncalves, Garcia de Orta, v. 7, 

pt. 4, pi. 7, figs. 4-6.

1960. Equisetaceous stems. H0eg and Bose, Mus. Royal Congo 

Belgique, 8°, Annales, Sci. Geol., v. 32, p. 29-30, pi. 1, 

fig. 1; pi. 2, fig. 1; pi. 3, figs. 1, 2; pi. 4, fig. 4.

1961. Equisetalean stem. White, Australia Bur. Mineral Resources Geology and Geophysics Bull., v. 60, p. 300, 

pi. 2, fig. 2.

1962. Phyllotheca sp. cf. P. australis Brongniart. Plumstead, 

London, Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1955-1958, Sci. 

Rept., Geol., no. 9, p. 63, pi. 17, figs. 3-6.

1962. Equisetaceous stem. Saksena, Palaeobotanist, v. 10, p. 

94, pi. 2, figs. 25, 26.

1965. Equisetalean stem. Maheshwari and Prakash, Palaeobotanist, v. 13, no. 2, p. 118, pi. 1, fig. 4.

1966. Phyllotheca stems. Surange, Indian fossil Pteridophytes, 

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Bot. 

Mon., no. 4, p. 38-40, figs. 19, 20.

1966. Equisetalean stems. Maithy, Paleobotanist, v. 14, p. 54, 

pi. I, fig. 7.
PERMIAN SPHENOPSIDS FROM ANTARCTICA F3

1966. Paracalamites sp. A. Rigby, fw Symposium on floristics

and stratigraphy of Gondwanaland, Palaeobot. Soc.

India, Spec. Session. Lucknow, Dec. 1964, Proc., p. 52,

pi. 1, flg. 5. 

1966. Paracalamites sp. B. Rigby, in Symposium on floristics and

stratigraphy of Gondwanaland, Palaeobot. Soc. India,

Spec. Session, Lucknow, Dec. 1964, Proc. p. 53, pi. 1,

flg. 6. 

1966. Paracalamites australis Rigby, Palaeontographica, v. 118,

sec. B, pts. 4-6, p. 123, pi. 32, flg. 19; pi. 33, flgs. 20, 23.

Diagnosis (amended, from Rigby, 19661)). Articulate stem having ribs of pith cast opposite at nodes; 

ribs alternate only to accommodate changes in number 

of ribs between adjacent internodes. Rib vascular bundles continuous from one internode to the next without 

break; also vascular bundles branch and recombine with 

vascular bundles of adjacent ribs at nodes. Ribs and 

furrows sometimes finely striated. Ribbing on node of 

external cast weak. Internodes substantially longer than 

stem diameter, except in thick trunks.

Discussion. The form genus Paracalanutes is used 

here in the same way as it has been used previously in 

New South Wales (Rigby, 1966a), Western Australia 

(Rigby, 1966b), and Antarctica (Rigby and Schopf, 

1969), to describe sphenopsid stems of unknown affinity 

that have ribs in apposition, not alternating, at nodes. 

The specimens may have represented stems of any of 

the following Lower Gondwana genera:

Phyllotlieca Brongniart 

Schizoneura Schimper and Mougeot 

Stellotheca Surange and Prakash 

Umbellaphyllites Rasskazova 

Raniaanjia Rigby

Almost all these stems have been placed in the species 

Paracalamites au-stralis Rigby. Nothing indicates that 

any of the isolated sphenopsid stems from Antarctica 

should be included in any other species, and these stems 

should not be regarded differently from stems described 

previously under this epithet.

Paracalamites has also been used as a generic name to 

designate the stems of the following genera from 

Angaraland:

Phyllotlieca, Brongniart 

Annulariaf 

Anmilina Neuburg 

Koretrophyllites Radczenko 

Neolcoretrophyllitcs Radczenko 

Umbellaphyllites Rasskazova 

Gamophyllites Radczenko

Very few of these genera have known fructifications. 

The only genus common to both Gondwanaland and 

Angaraland has fructifications that differ in each 

region. Thus, PhyUotheca australis from Gondwanaland bore fructifications of the Gondwanostachys type,

and PhyUotheca, spp. from Angaraland bore the Tschernovm spp. type of fructifications.

The method used to name Gondwana sphenopsids is 

herein reconsidered. I propose that the stems be known 

as Paracalamites, though leaves may be attached in 

many specimens. Previous practice has been to prefer 

the specific name based on features of the leaf whorl, 

and to identify stems devoid of leaves according to the 

features of leaves accompaning such stems. Such stems 

were thus given a possibly erroneous designation. A 

typical example was given by Feistmantel (1880, p. 63) ; 

he referred most nonleafy stems associated with leafy 

stems of Schizoneura gondwanemix in the Damuda 

Series, India, to Schizoneura. He mentioned that the 

stems were generally designated as Phyllotlieca in 

India at the time.

My suggested nomenclature was used in designating 

species from collection H3-75 from the Ohio Range, 

Antarctica. The collection includes many rock fragments, which are so broken that it is impossible to 

determine how many fragments have counterparts. 

These fragments bear many broken steins of Paracalamites australis. A few stems have partial leaf whorls 

typical of Schizoneura gondwanensis, which are described under the apropriate heading (p. FT). Collection H3-75 includes 118 plant fragments 99 fragments of leafless stems, eight fragments of stems that 

have partial leaf whorls (see pi. 2, figs. 11, 12), and 11 

fragments of solitary or grouped single leaf fragments. 

(See pi. 2, figs. 9,10.)

Specimens of leafless steins are designated Paracalamites australis. Stems that have partial leaf whorls are 

best designated as leaves of ScJiizoneura gondwanensis 

borne on stems of Paracalamites australis. Isolated 

leaves are specimens of Schizoneura gondwanensis. 

These stems have internodes 25-40 mm long, and ribs 

1.3-2.0 mm apart. The widest stem is 29 mm wide and 

has 19 ribs across its diameter.

In this system, the use of a generic name based on le^.f 

remains automatically indicates that specimens of 

leaves are present. The fact that no discernible difference exists between the steins of many of the Gondwana 

sphenopsid genera that are based on characters of leaves 

is acknowledged by the use of the specific name Paracalamites australis for these various stems. If any 

species distinguished by features of leaves should prove 

to have a distinctive type of stem, then a separate species 

of Paracalamites might be proposed.

Most Antarctic specimens do not appear to have any 

features significantly different from others referred to 

in the syiionomy. However, the specimens discussed 

herein have distinctive aspects worthy of separate comment. Typically, the stems occur in thin beds or along
F4 CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

bedding planes and lie parallel to or closely parallel to 

bedding. Orientation appears to be random (pi. 1, fig. 

9).

Specimen E 54 (pi. 2, fig. 6) is the broadest sphenopsid stem from Antarctica that I have seen. The apparent 

bend in the stem has been caused by two stem fragments 

being closely pressed together.

Dimensions of specimen E 54 : 

Stem width, 57 mm. 

Length of internodes (top to bottom of figure), ?, 26 mm,

26 mm.

Spacing of ribs, 10 per 19 mm. 

Average spacing of ribs, 1.9 mm.

A second specimen, E 56, has some fragments of stems 

of similar dimensions. Kibs are spaced at 10 per 23 mm. 

Internode length and stem breadth are unknown, but 

stem breadth exceeds 55 mm. Another similar fragment, 

specimen E 44a (pi. 3, fig. 5), has four ribs spaced at 

three ribs per 8 mm. Internode length is 20 mm.

Specimen H4w-13c (pi. 2, figs. 7, 8) is part of a 

small, slender stem that has closely spaced nodes. The 

stem is swollen at the nodes. The shape of the preserved 

remains suggests that the lower 1.5 nodes (below the 

diagonal fracture) represent the front surface of the 

original specimen. The upper part of the specimen 

(above the fracture) represents the back surface of the 

original specimen. The lowest internode has been 

crumpled, which gives its adjacent nodes an unduly 

swollen appearance.

Dimensions of specimen H4w 13c:

Length Diameter Number of 

(mm) (mm) ribs on exposed surface

Top:

Fractured intern ode. __________ ? ?

Top node__-___-_-___--______-____. 2. 6

Internode ---_--------_--- 2.3 2.1

Node___--_---_-___---_-___-_-___ 3. 3

Internode_____--_-----___-_ 3.0 2.0

Node___.__-.___._..._-__-_-_-_-.-_ 2. 9 

Internode with diagonal

fracture__-_-__-__------- 3.9 2.1

Node__..___.__.__._____.______.___ 3. 0

Internode__________________ 3.4 ?

Bottom:

Fractured node.______________________ ?

11

11

Although this specimen has very small overall dimensions, its features indicate that it probably was from a 

plant having a stem similar to that of Paracalamites 

australis. If this stem had been found associated with a 

single very distinctive type of foliage, however, it might 

have been identified as a separate species.

Specimens QM 10 and QM 11 B, both from the same 

horizon, bear impressions of Paracalamites australis 

preserved indistinctly. Mineral matter is deposited

along the ribs and nodes and all dimensions given are 

approximate.

Specimen QM 10 (pi. 3, fig. 8) bears three fragments 

identified as Paracalamites australis. One i^ a broad 

stem that has four expanded nodes spaced at 15,14, and 

12 mm. The diameter of the stem at the nodes is 35 mm. 

Kibs are spaced at 2 mm. The stem represent? the lower 

part of a trunk.

Specimen QM 11 B (pi. 3, fig. 7) bears a stem of P. 

australis with a thick branch. The main stem is of unknown breadth, but the nodes are 20 mm apart. Ribs are 

spaced at five or six per 10 mm. The branch has a diameter of 11 mm. at the point of contact with the stem. 

The axis of the branch is slightly (about 1mm.) above 

the plane of the node. From the appearance of the specimen, the branch was probably twice as thick somewhat 

above its base than at its base. There are eight ribs per 

10 mm in the branch.

The size of the branch indicates that plants having 

stems of the Paracalamites australis type grew to a significant height, but the actual height can only be surmised. No known P. australis stems are as lar^e as some 

specimens of Catamites, which have a trunk diameter 

of as much as 50 cm (Eggert, 1962) and a height of 

20-30 m (from Boureau, 1964) as estimated by Grand- 

'Eury. Based on these figures, the largest diameter 

stem of P. australis reported herein (diameter of 57 

mm) may have belonged to a plant 2-3 in high. It must 

be assumed that a plant of this height was rare, as very 

few known stems from Gondwanaland have a diameter 

greater than 30 mm.

Specimen QM I77d (pi. 1, fig. 8) is a narrow stem 

with swollen nodes. Slender branches arise at two nodes. 

The branches are ribbed. This specimen is typical of 

some stems that have short internodes and are more 

slender. Some crumpling is present in the internodes.

Specimen QM 29 (pi. 1, fig. 1) has a small branch 

arising from a rather broad stem. The unevenness of 

the specimen, combined with its lack of contrasting 

color and the granularity of the rock, ms.de photographic reproduction very difficult.

Dimensions of specimen QM 29:

Diameter of node of main stem where brandling occurs,

16 mm. 

Length of one internode on the main stem (rot figured),

65 mm.

Length of first internode of branch, 2 mm. 

Diameter of first node of branch, 4 mm. 

Length of second internode of branch, 11 mm. 

Diameter of second node of branch, 4 mm. 

Length of third internode of branch, >14 mm.

The first intemode of the branch is triangular; the 

apex of the triangle connects with the main stem.
PERMIAN SPHENOPSIDS FROM ANTARCTICA F5

Specimen H4w-15c (pi. 3, fig. 6) shows the triangular 

basal section of a branch from a stem. There are three 

internodes below the level at which the stem diameter 

becomes relatively constant. The ribbing begins a few 

millimeters above the base.

Triangular basal sections of branches are indicative 

of pith casts in calamitalean remains.

Dimensions of specimen H4w-15c:

Fkst Second Third Fourth

internode- internode- internode- internodeflrst second third fourth

node node node node

Diameter at base___.mm__ 

Length of internode mm _ _ 

Diameter at node__mm__ 

Number of ribs below node_

2.5 

li 

10

3

15

10 12

Specimen E 59 (pi. 1, fig. 7) is part of a stem; the 

figure is an enlarged view showing two adjacent nodes. 

The ribs dichotomize, at each node. Each rib in the lower 

node branches and recombines as shown in figure 1. 

Originally it was thought that ribs in Paracalamites 

from Gondwanalaiid branched and combined in a manner similar to that figured and described by Surange 

(1956, p. 84, text fig. 1; Rigby, 1966a). Specimen E 59 

shows that some fibers are continuous between apposed 

ribs of adjacent internodes.

The fibers continuous between apposing ribs in the 

upper node of the figured specimen are not as distinct 

as those in the lower node. On many ribs, fibers appear 

to be lacking. The ribs broaden and flatten as they approach the nodes. There is a small depressed area or pit 

between each apposing rib on the axis of the node. The 

pit probably represents the point of attachment of a 

leaf trace. The continuous transverse fibers pass across 

the bottom of the pit.

Pant and Kidwai (1968) have described leafy stems 

of Phyllotheca indica from the Lower Gondwana of 

Bihar, India, that showed similar fibers. Their plate 32, 

figure 18, and text figures 4D and 5A show tracheid 

strands passing around the pit to give continuity of 

fibers between apposing ribs, as well as branching and 

combination between adjacent ribs. Their stems appear 

identical with the one described here. Our reconstruction of the rib pattern (fig. 1) differs only in that continuity of fibers between apposing ribs is shown, and 

the gap in the center of each internodal rib was not seen.

Specimen E 44a (pi. 3, figs. 4, 5) has a similar pattern of fibers at each node. Both figured nodes have 

irregularities where the number of ribs, hence rib spacing, alters at the node. The new rib forms by fusion of 

fibers arising from the lower adjacent ribs. The rib arrangement of the upper node of specimen E 44a is 

shown diagrammatically in figure 2. The diagram sug357-071 0 ^69 2

FIGURE 1. Nodal rib pattern in Paracalamites australis, 

based on specimen E 59 (pi. 1, fig. 7).

gests that increase in rib number is brought about by 

dichotomous splitting of the vascular strands.

Some stems have fine striations parallel to the ribs. 

These striations uniformly cover both ribs and the 

region between ribs. The enlarged view of speciiren 

P4-92 (pi. 1, fig. 5) shows these striations; there are 

approximately 25 per millimeter. All other specimens 

in the same collection (P4) have similarly striated 

stems. In all stem fragments from this collection trat 

have nodes, the node is not as clearly marked as is usual 

for the species (pi 1, figs. 4, 6). Previously, I (Rigby, 

1966b, p. 125, pi. 33, fig. 20) figured a similar specimen, 

which I thought represented an external cast. I now 

believe that all these represent internal casts (pi. 1, 

fig. 4) and molds (pi. 1, fig. 6).

Specimens QM 33-1 and QM 33-2 consist of mediumto coarse-grained sandstone and contain several 

flattened gray argillaceous lenses. Four of these lenses 

have the general appearance of plant axes. One lens on 

specimen QM 33-1 appears to represent a stem with 

longitudinal ribbing (ribs about 15 mm apart) similar 

to that of Paracalamites. Finer striations are also present. This stem has one or possibly two nodes. The other 

three axes look similar but do not have clear diagnostic 

features. The three indistinct specimens are recorded as 

Paracalaimtesi,, and the distinctive specimen, as Paracalamites australis L
F6 CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

FIGURE 2. Irregularities in rib pattern in Paracalamites australis in part of upper node of 

specimen E 44a (pi. 3, figs. 4,5).

The only previous report of Paracalamites australis 

from Antarctica was given by Plumstead (1962) as 

Phyllotheca sp. cf. P. australis. She described the preservation of her specimens as poor. She considered her 

plate 17, figure 3, to be impressions of a leaf sheath, 

but the figured impressions are so dubious that I am 

hesitant to accept them on the basis of her photograph.

Sphenopsid nodal diaphragm (pi. 1, figs. 0, 3). A 

single elliptical sphenopsid nodal diaphragm in part 

specimen E 61 and its counterpart, specimen E 62 

was found in a collection associated with several stems 

of the Paracalamites type.

The diaphragm is elliptical and has a major axis 9 

mm long and a minor axis slightly greater than 7 mm 

long. The diaphragm was apparently ornamented by 

about 30 radial thickenings or ribs. The precise number 

of ribs cannot be determined because of damage to the 

specimen.

Specimen E 62 has lost a small part of the central 

part of the disk. This missing part is occupied by a small 

tubercle or thickening about 0.8 mm diameter in the 

counterpart, specimen E 61. The nodal diaphragm 

described by Lele (1962, p. 71, pi. 1, fig. 4) is almost 

identical.

Distribution of Paracalamites in Antarctica. The 

distribution is given as follows.

Allan Ntmatak, near location MS-11 of Gimn and Warren (1962): SR 109a-86 and SR 109a-109. 

Allan Nunatak, about half a mile east of the above

locality :SR143-6(?). 

Robison Peak, ANT 67-0-66c. 

Mount Feather, ANT 67-6-27 and ANT 67-C-28. 

Queen Maud Range, Cape Surprise: 34-1. 

Nilsen Plateau, section 14 of Long (1968) : QM 311. 

Nilsen Plateau, section 4 of Long (1968): QM 10 and

QM 11B. 

Nilsen Plateau, section 5 of Long (1968): QM 29 and

QM 33-1, (Paracalamites ?), QM 33-2 (?). 

Nilsen Plateau, section 6 of Long (1968): QM 341. 

Nilsen Plateau, section 13 of Long (1968) : QM 177d. 

Mount Weaver: Sigma 728, Blackburn collection. 

Mount Weaver, upper part of Weaver Formation:

H4w-13c, H4w-15a, H4w-15c, H4w-16d. 

Ohio Range, Mercer Ridge of Mount Schopf: H3-517J,

H3-522J, H4w (Leaia Ledge). 

Ohio Range, Terrace Ridge of Mount Schopf: H2-

46(2) andH3-27l. 

Ohio Range, ridge east of Terrace Ridge of Mount

Schopf :H3-75.

Pecora Escarpment, Brown Nunatak: P4-2, P4-3, P4- 

4, P4-6, P4-13, P4-54, P4-73, P4-91, P4-42, P4-99; 

SR 63-1, SR 63-2, SR 63-3, SR 63-4, SR 63-5, SR 

63-6, SR 63-7, SR 63-8, SR 69-9, SR 63-10 SR 63-11, 

SR 63-12, SR 63-13, SR 63-14, SR 63-15, SR 63-16, 

SR 63-17, SR 63-18.

Theron. Mountains, Upper Horizon. Unnumbered chips, 

reported by Plumstead (1962) as Phyllotheca sp. cf. 

P. australis.

Sentinel Range, Polarstar Peak, Unit 2 of Craddock 

and others (1965) : ANT 67-3-19; E 25, E 27, E 28, 

E 29, E 30, E 31, E 32, E 33, E 35, E 36a, E 36b, E 37, 

E 38, E 39, E 44, E 45, E 46, E 47, E 48, E 49, E 50, 

E 51, E 52, E 53, E 54, E 55, E 56, E 57, E 58, E 59, 

E 60, E 61, E 62, E 64, E 65.

Sentinel Range, Polarstar Peak, Unit 3 of Craddock 

and others (1965) : ANT 67-3-22 and ANT 67-3-23. 

Sentinel Range, Polarstar Peak, Unit 4 of Craddock and 

others (1965) : ANT 67-3-25, ANT 67-3-26, ANT 

67-3-27 (?), ANT 67-3-28, ANT 67-3-31. 

Sentinel Range, Polarstar Peak, Unit 6 of Craddock 

and others (1965): E 428.

Distribution elsewhere. Leafless stems of Paracalamites australis have been reported from all major 

areas of Gondwanaland. These stems are found throughout the entire Lower Gondwana epoch. Some species of 

form genera have limited vertical or horizontal distribution, but P. australis has neither. Its preserve in any 

Gondwana deposit indicates only that the deposit is
PERMIAN SPHENOPSIDS FROM ANTARCTICA F7

Lower Gondwana; no more definite age determination 

can be made.

The presence of P. australis demonstrates that arborescent sphenopsids grew in Gondwanaland at about the 

same time that the arborescent Catamites and its relatives flourished in the Northern Hemisphere. The 

Gondwana arborescent sphenopsids probably developed 

from a Phyllotheca-like, herbaceous plant, because the 

larger stems of P&racalamites have a rib pattern indistinguishable from that of Pliyllotheca. Paracalatnites 

does not appear to be closely allied to Catamites or to 

Asterocalamites.

Genus PHYLLOTHECA Brongniart 

Phyllotheca sp. 

Plate 2, figure 4

The figured specimen formed part of a leaf whorl; 13 

leaves are preserved. These leaves have been flattened 

into a 110° sector, hence the entire whorl may have 

contained approximately 40 leaves.

Dimensions of the figured specimen : 

Length of leaf sheath, 5.0-5.5 mm. 

Width of fused part of whorl, 3-4 mm.

Maximum length of free part of any leaf, 13 mm (the leaf 

apex may not have been retained).

This fragment differs only slightly from the whorls 

of several other species of Pliyttotheca known from various parts of Gondwanaland, but it most closely resembles Pliyllotheca indica. The leaves in each do not taper, 

but P. indica has a shorter sheath (3 mm) and a lesser 

proportion of the length of the leaves fused in a whorl 

of similar dimensions.

This fragment differs from whorls of Phyllotheca 

australis by having leaves that do not taper. Dimensions 

agree with those of figured specimens of P. australis 

(for example, Townrow, 1955, p. 41, fig. Ic).

This fragment resembles some specimens of Phyllotheca griesbachij which differ only by having a significantly shorter sheath, usually 1.5-2mm long. The close 

resemblance is shown in some specimens figured by 

Surange (1956, particularly pi. 3, figs. 12, 14).

Pliyllotheca muetteriana- has very much smaller 

whorls and a proportionately longer sheath.

Distribution. Upper Bowden Neve, west side, small 

nunatak out from cliff edge, Survey station J of New 

Zealand Geological Survey, at lat 83°51' S.; long 162° 

38' E. Specimen B 812/11 of collection V-42-NZ.

Phyllotheca? sp. 

Plate 2, figure 5

A second, more fragmentary part of a leaf whorl appears to be referable to PhyttotJieca sp. Only eight 

leaves and part of the sheath are preserved. The upper

part of each leaf tapers to a point; the middle part is 

parallel sided, and the lower part is fused. Individual 

leaves lose their identity in the fused part of the wl orl. 

The sheath may have been either cup or cone shaped. 

This fragment differs from the previous fragment by 

having tapering leaves. Comparisons are not warranted 

with such a small fragment.

The sheath is 2.0 mm long; the fused part of the 

whorl, 3.0 mm long; and the free part of the whorl, 

9.5-10.0 mm long. The greatest width of leaf is 1 mm.

Distribution. Upper member, Weaver Formation, 

Tillite Ridge, Wisconsin Range. Specimen H4w-13d.

Genus SCHIZONEURA Scrhimper and Mougeot

Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel

Plate 2, figures 9-12

1876. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel, India Geol.

Survey Record, v. 9, pt. 3, p. 66, 69. 

1876. Schizoneura- gondwanensis Feistmantel, Asiatic Soc.

Bengal Jour., v. 45, pt. 2, no. 4, p. 345-346, pi. 16, figs.

1-3. 

1879. Schisoneura sp. Feistmantel, India Geol. Survey Mem.,

ser. 12, v. 3, pt. 1, p. 8, pi. 1, fig. 1. 

1879. Schizoneura comp. nieriani. Feistmantel, India Geol.

Survey Mem., ser. 12, v. 3, pt. 1, p. 8, pi. 1, figs. 6-7.

1879. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel, India Geol. 

Survey Mem., ser. 12, v. 3, pt. 1, pi. 1, figa 2-3.

1880. Schisoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel, India Geol.

Survey Mem., ser. 12, v. 3, pt. 2, p. 61-64, pis. 1A-4A,

5A, figs. 1, 2, 4, 5; pis. 6A-8A, 9A, figs. 5, 6; pi. 10^. 

1882. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel, India Geol.

Survey Mem., ser. 12, v. 4, pt. 1, p. 21-22, pi. 11, fig. 8;

pi. 13, fig. 1; pi. 20, fig. 6. 

1886. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel, India Geol.

Survey Mem., ser. 12, v. 4, pt. 2, pi. 21-22. 

1893. Schisoneural australis Etheridge, New South Wales Geol.

Survey Records, v. 3, pt. 3, p. 74-77, pi. 13. 

1898. Schisoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Seward, Fissil

Plants, v. 1, p. 292-294, fig. 69.

1902. Schizoncitra gondwanensis Feistmantel. Zeiller, India 

Geol. Survey Mem., new ser., v. 2, pt. 1, p. 26-27, pi. 6, 

fig. 1.

1903. Schizoncura australis Etheridge, New South Wales Geol.

Survey Records, v. 7, pt. 3, p. 234-235, pis. 48-49. 

1905. Schisoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Arber, Br'tish

Mus. (Nat. History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris Flora, p. 5-12, test figs. 1, 2, 4, 

1910. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Arber, Geol. Soc.

London Quart. Jour., v. 66, p. 238. 

1932. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Du Toit, South

African Mus. Annals, v. 28, pt. 4, p. 373-374, pi. 40, figs.

1-2. 

1962. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Lele, Palaecbotanist, v. 10, p. 71, pi. 1, fig. 3.

1965. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel. Maheshwari and 

Prakash, Palaeobotanist, v. 13, no. 1, p. 118, pi. 1, fi?. 4.

1966. Schizonetira gondwanensis Feistmantel. Surange, Council 

for Scientific and Industrial Research, India, Bot. Mon., 

no. 4, p. 30-34, figs. 14-16.
F8 CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

Probably the same species:

1852. Fossil plant. Hooker, Geol. Soc. London Trans., ser. 2, v.

7, p. 227, pi. 28, fig. 1. 

1889. Schizoneura(f) africana Feistmantel, Bohm. Gesell. Wiss.,

[Prag] abh., ser. 7, v. 3, p. 41-42.

1902. ScMzoneuraCi). Arber, Geol. Mag., ser. 4, v. 9, p. 347. 

1905. Scliisoncura(f) africana Feistmantel. Arber, British Mus.

(Nat. History) Catalogue Fossil Plants Glossopteris

Flora, p. 13-14. 

1908. Schisoneura africana Feistmantel. Seward, Geol. Soc.

London Quart. Jour., v. 64, p. 89-90, fig. 2.

Record of Schizoneural sp.:

1962. Annularia sp. Plumstead, London, Trams-Antarctic 

Expedition 1955-1958, Sci. Kept., Geol. no. 9, p. 62, pi. 

17, figs, 1-2.

Discussion. The records of Schizoneura africana are 

included here because this species seems to have no difference worthy of specific differentiation from 8. gondwanensis. Seward (1908) expressed this opinion, though 

Du Toit (1953) and Boureau (1964) have retained each 

as a distinct species.

Feistmantel (1889) differentiated Schizoneum africana from 8. gondwanensis only on the basis of differences in leaf size and thickness and the number of leaf 

segments per whorl; his description was based on the 

figure given by Hooker (1852). Arber (1902) reexamined Hooker's specimen and noted that the figure was 

"largely a restoration." Apparently, the species 8. africana was erected on very weak grounds, though the 

discovery of better material may justify its retention.

Leafless stems that may or may not have belonged 

to Schizoneura have been described under Schizoneural, Schizoneura sp., 8. gondwanensis^^ or other 

similar names. These stems are now placed in the genus 

Paracalamites.

Collection H3-75 includes many stem fragments of 

Paracalamites australis in a pale-gray siltstone that 

bleaches to buff on weathering. Bedding is not apparent, but stems lie in almost the same plane though 

orientation varies. Most stems have two or more nodes; 

some have remains of leaf whorls at the nodes. The 

leaves appear to be free, and lax. It was impossible to find 

any connection between leaves to form a united whorl, 

as the plane of fracturing of the specimen is at right 

angles to the plane of the whorl. There is no evidence 

of branching in the stems. The specimens are identical 

with some specimens of Schizoneura gondwanensis 

figured by Feistmantel (1880, pi. 8A, figs. 3-4; pi. 9A, 

figs. 5,6) from the Eaniganj Group of India.

The stems were slightly compressed during burial, as 

the sides are concave between nodes. It is the outer surface of the stem that is visible, for the leaf attachment 

can be seen.

Dimensions of the figured specimen (pi. 2, fig. 11) from 

bottom to top are:

Node diameter, 22 mm.

Internode length, 28 mm.

Node diameter, 18 mm (Node with leaf).

Internode length, 26 mm.

Node diameter, 17 mm (Node with leaf 23 mm long).

The incomplete leaf on this specimen appears to be 

finely striated longitudinally. There are suggestions of 

leaves attached to some other stem fragments. Apparent 

vein dichotomies are caused by superposition of adjacent leaves during compression. Each leaf contains a 

single longitudinal vein. The leaf fragments indicate 

that these stems of Paracalamites australis had leaves 

of Schizoneura gondwanensis attached to them.

Some isolated leaves (pi. 2, figs. 9, 10) were also 

found in this collection. The figured leaf is typical. It 

is almost linear, tapering only slightly from base to 

apex. The asymmetry is only apparent and was caused 

by folding or tearing during life or burial. This leaf 

is distinctly longitudinally striated, about 20 stations 

per millimeter. This specimen, the longest leaf from this 

locality, is 42 mm long, 4 mm wide at the broad end and 

3 mm wide at the narrow end. There is no reason to 

suspect that this and other similar leaves represent anything other than detached leaves of Schizoneura gondwanensis.

Specimen H3-552J includes a stem of Paracalamites 

australis and several closely associated linear leaf fragments similar to those described above, None of the leaf 

fragments is connected to the stem, but some lie across 

the stem. The leaves have a midrib; they are 1.0-0.8 mm 

wide and at least 6 mm long. They appear to be typical 

isolated leaves of Schizoneura gondwanensis.

Plumstead (1962) identified a specimen from Theron 

Mountains as Annularia sp. She expressed some doubt 

as to the correct generic placement of the specimen. She 

compared it with leaf whorls of other Gondwana 

plants previously assigned to Annularia, 8chizoneitra 

wardii, 8. gondwanensis, and some Phyllotheca species. 

She preferred 'a comparison with the specimen described 

as Annularia sp. by Archangelsky (1958), largely because of the apparent rigidity of the leaves in both. 

Surange (1966) compared Plmnstead's figure with 

Indian specimens of Schizoneura gondwanemis and S. 

wardii. He thought (1966, p. 34) the Antarctic Annularia sp. u * * * may very well be placed nearer to S. 

gondwanensis than to Annularia, * * *" The specimen 

is fragmentary, and under the circumstances no precise 

determination can be made. It is recorded as Schizoneura sp. with reservation.

Distribution in Antarctica. Schizoneura gondwa-nesis Feistmantel, Ohio Eange, ridge east of Terrace
PERMIAN SPHENOPSIDS FROM ANTARCTICA F9

Ridge of Mount Schopf, H3-75; Ohio Range, Mercer 

Ridge of Mount Schopf, Leaia Ledge, H3-522J. Schizoneura sp., Theron Mountains; based on specimen recorded by Plumstead (1962) as Annularia sp.

Genus UMBELIAPHYLIITES Rasskazova

Umbellaphyllites ivini (Walkom) Rigby

Plate 2, figures 1-3

1941. Annularia, ivini Walkom, Australian Mus. Records, v.

21, no. 1, p. 43^4, pi. 8, figs. 1-4.

1966. UmbellapJiyllites ivini (Walkom) Rigby, Palaeontographica, v. 118, sec. B, p. 118-121, pi. 31, figs. 10-16.

Six fragments of whorls, some with counterparts, 

were found on rock specimens E 279, E 280, E 281, and 

E 323 in a single bed at Polarstar Peak, Sentinel Range.

One whorl on specimen E 280 (see pi. 2, figs. 1, 3), 

counterpart on specimen E 279, is almost complete; 24 

leaves are visible, and from two to four leaves are 

probably missing at a crack on the rock. The longest 

preserved leaf is 16 mm in length. Two of the leaves at 

120° to each other are forked; the veins branch at 

slightly less than half-leaf length from the center of the 

whorl. In one forked leaf there is a distinct vein 

dichotomy, and the leaf boundary commences 1.5 mm 

above the dichotomy. In the other forked leaf the vein 

is roughly two parallel touching veins below the apparent dichotomy, and the leaf boundary commences 

3.5 mm above the dichotomy. No significance can be attached to this abnormality. The whorl of leaves is depressed near the node forming a distinct leaf sheath.

Specimen E 281 (see pi. 2, fig. 2) and its counterpart,, 

E 323, bear a partial whorl attached to a slender stem. 

The stem is faintly longitudinally ribbed. At a node 

15 mm below the whorl, the stem is 2 mm in diameter. 

There appear to be five ribs on the stem near the node. 

Maximum preserved length of any leaf in the whorl is 

13 mm. A few leaves are complete except for the 

mucronate tip.

All leaves are wrinkled, as described by Rigby 

(1966b). Utnbellaphyllites ivini probably represents 

one form of foliage correlated with stems of the Paracalatnites australis type. Both species occur at this locality, where they are the only sphenopsid remains.

This species has been reported previously only from 

a single locality at Murulla, New South Wales (Walkom, 1941), where it forms a rare component in the flora 

of the Greta Coal Measures of Early Permian age.

Discussion. Meyen (1967) and Pant and Nautiyal 

(1967) have suggested that Goridwana species of Umbellaphyllites may actually belong to Raniganjia. The 

distinguishing features between various species of these 

two genera, on both generic and specific levels, are not 

great. Rigby (1966b, table 1) has tabulated several

features that differ or are similar. Pant and Nautiyal 

(1967) have shown that one character used to distinguish the genera is not valid; leaves of both have similar transverse wrinkling. Pant and Nautiyal (1967) 

have also shown that Raniganjia indica is a synonym 

of R. bengalensis. The few measurements and rr.tios 

given on table 1 indicate close similarity between these 

two genera.

TABLE 1. Dimensions of leaf whorls of some specimens of 

Umbellaphyllites and Raniganjia

[All dimensions are in millimeters. Ratios are approximate. Tabulation ba<«x:l on 

measurements of leaves from Antarctica, and on data and photographed specimens 

given by Walkom (1941), Srivastava (1955), Rasskazova (1961), Rigby (1962,1963, 

1966b), and Pant and Nautiyal (1967)]

U. annularioides

V. ivini U. minima R. bengalensis

4-7 

3-6 Node diameter._....__.

Sheath length..........

T. . Node diameter Katl° T Sheath length

Whorl diameter............... 32-48

Node diameter..._......... 4-7

_ ,. Whorl diameter ... Ratio ^7 T. i 8/1 Node diameter

Number of leaves_.......... 32-40

Whorl diameter............... 32-48

_ ,. Number of leaves ... Ratl° "Whorl diameter Vl

Ratio Length of leaf attached 

Length of leaf

Leaf apex.................... Acute

0.8-1.2 

2.0

1/2

20-38 

.8-1.2

20/1-30/1

20-34 

20-38

1/1

1.5-2.3 

1.6

16-21 

1. 5-2.3

10/1

14-19 

16-21

1/1

0. 7.J-5 

0

26-86 

.75-5

18/1-60/1

10-81+ 

26-86

1/1-5/2

4/5 4/5 < 1/2-3/4 

Mucronate Acuminate Mucronate

The principal generic difference is in the sheath, 

which is short and cylindrical in Umbellaphyllites and 

absent in Raniganjia. The absence of a sheath in 

Raniganjia may have been due to the mode of preservation of the material examined and reported on in publications from India and Australia.

Apparently, the inclusion or exclusion of the species 

U. ivini and U. minima in Unibellaphyllites must ultimately depend on characters of the plant not shown 

by sterile leaf whorls. Fertile structures, which may be 

decisive, have not been observed in Antarctic material.

An essential requirement in the definition of Raniganjia before V. ivini and U. minima could be included 

in it would be the recognition of a cylindrical leaf 

sheath in Raniganjia. The leaf sheath in the Gondwana 

species of Umbettaphyllites is small 2.0 mm long or 

shorter; hence, a similar leaf sheath in species of Raniganjia might be either overlooked or masked during 

burial. Specimens of Raniganjia figured by Srivastava 

(1955), Rigby (1962, 1963), and Pant and Nautiyal 

(1967, pi. 10, fig. 3) do not appear to have anything 

resembling a sheath; instead, leaves are fused to a small 

annulus at the node, as in Annularia.

The principal difference between the Angara species 

of Umbellaphyllites, U. annularioides, and the Gondwana species U. ivini and U. minima lies in the pro-
F10 CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

portion of leaf length fused in the leaf whorl. U. annularwides has leaves fused for less than half of their 

length, but both Z7. ivini and U. minima have leaves 

fused for four-fifths of their length (table 1).

Another distinguishing feature between the Angara 

species and the Gondwana species depends on size, 

which may be significant, but size also depends on 

growth conditions and the leaves in the individual

o

specimen.

Ratios given in table 1 indicate a very close relationship among these four species. However, the present collections yield no significant additional data to suggest 

that either the two genera might be merged (Boureau, 

1964) or U. ivini and U. minima might be better included in Raniganjia (Meyen, 1967; Pant and Nautiyal, 

1967). Including U. ivini and U. minima in Raniganjia 

would give a geographical separation of the genera 

Unibellaphyttites in Angaraland and Raniganjia in 

Gondwanaland. This arrangement is attractive, but 

present evidence is insufficient to justify this separation.

Distribution. Sentinel Range, Polarstar Peak, Unit 

6 of Craddock and others (1965). Specimens E 279, 

E 280, E 281, E 323.

Sphenopsid leaves 

Plate 3, figure 1

A few isolated leaf fragments that appear to have belonged to sphenopsid plants were found at one locality. 

These are linear and generally less than 1 mm in width 

(widest 1.3 mm). The longest may have been 12 mm 

long. All fragments are broken at both ends. None has 

a midrib, but each leaf is longitudinally striated and 

has as many as the equivalent of 30 striations per millimeter. Apparent dichotomies in the striations have 

resulted from minute irregularities during compression.

The figured leaves appear to have grown in either 

a whorl or in a tightly packed clump, but they are neither radiating from a single point nor in a single plane 

as fossilized. The leaves may have been fairly rigid 

as they were not bent during burial.

A few specimens of A-rberiella are associated with 

the leaves. The striations on the Arberietta have the 

same spacing as those on the leaves. This is probably 

only a coincidence.

Distribution. Pecora Escarpment, Brown Nunatak. 

SR 72-99.

Plant organs, parallel-veined or parallel-ribbed fragments 

Plate 3, figures 2, 3

Nearly identical fragments were found at two widely 

separated localities Queen Alexandra Range and 

Mount Fleming.

Collection V-46-NZ (specimens B 819/1-B 819/14) 

includes hundreds of stemlike fragments ornamented 

with parallel ribbing. Each of five fragments has what 

appears to be a single node, but some or all may be omy 

folds in the specimen. The fragments generally lie along 

bedding planes; however, orientation is random (pi. 3, 

fig. 2). The fragments have two forms, differentiated by 

the spacing of the ribs (pi. 3, fig. 3). Those with broadly 

spaced ribs are not common and are termed "broadribbed" specimens below.

Dimensions:

Rib spacing on most fragments, 11-18 ribs per 10 mr\ 

Rib spacing on broad-ribbed fragments, 7 ribs per 1C mm. 

Width, broad- and narrow-ribbed fragments, 10 mm or less. 

Widest fragment, which is a narrow-ribbed fragment, 19

mm. 

Length, broad- and narrow-ribbed fragments, average, 30-40

mm.

Maximum length, narrow-ribbed fragment, 87 mm. 

Maximum length, broad-ribbed fragment, 65 mm.

Broad-ribbed fragments were more broken during 

transport and burial than the narrow-ribbei fragments. Almost all specimens are straight, and ribbing is 

parallel throughout. The longest specimen, a narrowribbed fragment, is curved over an arc subtending an 

angle of 75°, and no distortion is visible. Other fragments on the same rock slab are completely straight.

Carbonified fragments were macerated for 20 hours 

in sodium hypochlorite solution until transparent. Neither cuticle nor cellular detail in cross section was 

preserved.

Collection AMF-221B (specimens ANT-67-5-7a, 

ANT-67-5-7b) contains numerous narrow-ribbed fragments, which tend to be larger than, but not as wellpreserved as, the narrow-ribbed fragments in ccElection 

V-46-NZ. The host rock of this collection is not as fine 

grained as that of collection V-46-NZ, and some 

specimens of this collection are distorted.

Dimensions :

Rib spacing on f ragments, 16-20 ribs per 10 mm. 

Width, average, 10-12 mm. 

Width, widest, 16 mm. 

Length, average, 40-60 mm. 

Length, longest, 138 mm.

These fragments also show some evidence of fine 

longitudinal striations, both on the ribs and between 

them; 20 striations per millimeter were counted on one 

specimen. No suggestion of a node was found on any 

specimen.

Specimens ANT-67-5-8a and ANT-67-5-8b in 

collection AMF-222 (from the same horizon as AMF221B) contain part and counterpart of a fragment of a 

sphenopsid stem, though no node is visible. T"ie rock 

has fractured so that the upper and lower outer surfaces
PERMIAN SPHENOPSIDS FROM ANTARCTICA Fl

of the stem are exposed. These specimens also contain 

a small part of a ribbed plant organ (length 16, width 

8 mm, rib spacing 10 per 8 mm) identical with the remains discussed above. This fragment is also 

longitudinally striated 13 striations per 5 mm.

These remains might best be considered as sphenopsid remains, as they are found within strata equivalent 

to strata near the top of the Permian section in nearby 

localities. This occurrence may be too early for them to 

represent fragments of cycad leaves such as Nilssonia 

and other similar leaf forms. Also, leaves of cordaites 

such as Noeggerathwpsis always have some evidence of 

vein dichotomy or divergence of veins along a leaf 

fragment.

Distribution. Mount Fleming, collection AMF221B, specimens ANT-67-5-7a, ANT-67-5-7b; collection AMF-222, specimens ANT-67-5-8a, ANT-67-5- 

8b. Queen Alexandra Range, Upper Bowden Neve, 

Prebble Glacier, second spur end on right, collection 

V-46-NZ, specimens B 819/1 to B 819/14.

CONCLUSIONS

No reliable stratigraphic age determinations can be 

made from the recognition of these sphenopsid species. 

These species either range throughout Early Gondwana 

time or they are so rarely found that their occurrence 

within a stratum cannot be used to determine the age of 

the stratum. Umbettaphyttites ivinii is the only example 

of a rarely found species. It occurs in one locality at 

Polarstar Peak, Ellswortli Mountains, and at a second 

locality at Murulla, New South Wales, in the Lower 

Permian Greta Coal Measures.

Stems of Paracalamites au-stralis as much as 57 mm 

wide were found at Polarstar Peak and are evidence 

that splienopsids in Gondwanaland grew to treelike 

proportions. Remains of splienopsids of diameter sufficient to support a plant of arborescent size also have 

been recorded from Australia (Rigby 1966a, b). In the 

Antarctic specimens, the node diameter exceeds the 

internode length. No evidence as to actual height has 

been found yet,

Sphenopsid distribution in Gondwanaland is 

indicated in table 2.

TABLE 2. Distribution of Gondwanaland sphenopsid genera by 

continents

Phyllotheca. ..........

Paracalamites.. ......

Stellotheca. ...........

Antarctica

Africa Australia

India South 

America

Elsewhere i

v

1 Genera known from areas outside Gondwanaland. Well-preserved specimens are 

always specifically distinct between Gondwanaland and other areas, except in 

SphenophyUum.

REFERENCES CITED

Arber, E. A. N., 1902, On the distribution of the Gtossopteris 

flora : Geol. Mag., ser. 4, v. 9, p. 346-349.

Archangelsky, Sergio, 1958, Estudio geologico y paleontologico 

del Bajo de La Leona (Santa Cruz) : Acta Geol. Lilloaua, 

v. 2, p. 5-133, 56 figs.

Boureau, Edouard, 1964, Traite de Pal6obotanique: Paris, 

Masson et Cie., v. 3, 544 p., 436 figs.

Craddook, Campbell, Bastien, T. W., Rutford, R. H., 'and Andersen, J. J., 1965, Glossoptcris discovered in West Antarctica : 

Science, v. 148, no. 3670, p. 634-637, 3 figs.

Darrah, E. L., 1968, A remarkable branching Sphenophyllum 

from the Carboniferous of Illinois: Palaeontographica, v. 

121, sec. B, p. 87-101, pis. 19-29.

Du Toit, A. L., 1953, The geology of South Africa: 3d ed., New 

York, Hafner Publishing Co., 611 p., 41 pis., 73 figs., 1 mip.

Eggert, D. A., 1962, The ontogeny of Carboniferous arborescent 

Sphenopsida: Palaeontographica, v. 110, sec. B, p. 99-127, 

pis. 17-24.

Feistmantel, Ottokar, 1880, The flora of the Damuda-PancVt 

Division (1st half) : India Geol. Survey Mem., Palaeor -tologica Indica, ser. 12, v. 3, pt. 2, p. 1-77, pis. 1A-16A.

 1889, Die Karoo-Formation und die dieselbe unterlagernden Schichten, Pt. 1, in Ubersichtliche Darstellung der 

geologisch-palaeontologischen Verhaltnisse Stid-Afrikas: 

Bohm. Gesell. Wiss [Prag] Abh., Math.-Natur. Cl., ser. 7, 

v. 3, no. 6, 89 p., 4 pis.

Gunn, B. M., and Warren, Guyon, 1962, Geology of Victoria 

Land between the Mawson and Mulock Glaciers, Antarctica : New Zealand Geol. Survey Bull. 71 n.s., 157 p., 48 fi.TS., 

3 tables, 2 maps.

Hooker, J. D., 1852, Note on a fossil plant from the Fish River, 

South Africa: Geol. Soc. London Trans., ser. 2, v. 7, p. 227, 

pi. 28, fig. 1.

Lele, K. M., 1962, Plant fossils from the South Rewa Gondwpna 

Basin, pt. 2 of Studies in the Indian Middle Gondwrna 

flora : Palaeobotanist, v. 10, p. 69-83, pis. 1-4,10 figs.

Long, W. E., 1969, Stratigraphy of the Nilsen Plateau, Queen 

Maud Mountains, Antarctica : Geol. Soc. American Bull. (In 

press.)

Meyen, S. V., 1967, New data on relationship between Angara 

and Gondwana Late Paleozoic floras [abs.], in Resumenes 

de trabajos presentados a las sesiones, Intematl. Symposium 

Stratigraphy adn Paleontology of the Gondwana, 1st, Mar 

del Plata, Oct. l--i, 1967: Buenos Aires, Assoc. Geol. 

Argentina, p. 13-14.

Pant, D. D., and Kidwai, P. F., 1968. On the structure of stems 

and leaves of PhyllotJieca indica Bunbury, and its affinities: 

Palaeontographica, v. 121, sec. B, p. 102-121, pis. 30-33.

Pant, D. D., and Nautiyal, D. D., 1967, On the structure of 

Raniganjia bengalensis (Feistmantel) Rigby with a discussion of its affinities: Palaeontographica, v. 121, sec. B p. 

52-64, pis. 10-13.

Plumstead, E, P., 1962, Fossil floras of Antarctica: London, 

Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-1958, Sci. Kept, Geol., no. 

9, p. 1-154, 28 pis., 2 figs., 6 tables.

Rasskazova, E. S., 1961, [Sphenopsida of the Upper Paleozoic 

from the Tungusska Basin]: Nauchno-Issled. Inst. Geologii 

Arktiki, Sbornik Statey po Paleontologii i Biostratigrafli. v. 

23, p. 35-74, pis. 1-10, (in Russian).
F12 CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEONTOLOGY

Rigby, J- F., 1962, The taxonomic position of Actinopteris indica Srivastava: Linnean Soc. New South Wales Proc., 

V. 86, p. 299-304, pi. 10A.

 1963, On a collection of plants of Permian age from 

Baralaba, Queensland: Linnean Soc. New South Wales 

Proc., v. 87, p. 341-351, pis. 11-12.

 1966a, Some Lower Gondwana articulates from New 

South Wales, in Symposium on floristics and stratigraphy 

of Gondwanaland [Palaeobot. Soc. India, Spec. Session, 

December 1964]: Lucknow, Birbal Sahni Inst. Palaeobotany, p. 48-54.

 1966b, The Lower Gondwana flora of the Perth and

Collie Basins, Western Australia: Palaeontographica, v. 

118, Sec. B., p. 113-152, pis. 30-36.

Rigby, J. F., and Schopf, J. M., 1969, Stratigraphic implications 

of Antarctic paleobotanical studies, in Internal. Symposium 

Stratigraphy and Paleontology of the Gondwana, 1st. Mar 

del Plata, Oct. 1-4, 1967, Proc.: Buenos Aires, Asoc. Geol. 

Argentina. (In press.)

Seward, A. 0., 1908, On a collection of fossil plants from South

Africa: Geol. Soc. London Quart. Jour., v. 64, p. 83-108,

pis. 2-8. 

Srivastava, P. N., 1955, Studies in the Glossopte-rs flora of

India; 1. Some new fossil plants from the Lo-^er Gondwanas of the Raniganj Coalfield, India: Palaeobotanist,

v. 3, p. 70-78, pis. 1-3. 

Surange, K. R., 1956, Studies in the Glossopteris florc of India;

2. Equisetales from the Raniganj Coalfield: Pala?obotanist,

v. 4, p. 83-88, pis. 1-3,1 fig. 

 1966, Indian fossil pteridophytes: New Dell i, Council

for Scientific and Industrial Research Bot. Mon. no. 4,

209 p., 101 figs., 2 tables. 

Townrow, J. A., 1955, On some species of PhyllotJieca; Royal

Soc. New South Wales Jour, and Proc., v. 8f, pt. 1, p.

39-63, pi. 1, 5 figs. 

Walkoni, A. B., 1941, On a new species of Annularia from New

South Wales: Australian Mus. Rec., v. 21, no. 1, p. 43-44,

pi. 8.
INDEX

[Italic numbers indieate descriptions and major references]

Page 

africana, Schizoneura......................... F8

Angaraland..._. .- .-...-..-...--....-.. 3

Annularia.................................... 3,8,9

ivini...................................... 9

sp. - ..-.. . -.-. . 1,,8,9

annularioides, Umbellaphyllites................ 9,10

Annulina.................................... 3

ArberieUa..................................... 10

Archaeocalamites scrobiculatus................. 2

Asterocalamites............................... 1

australis, Paracalamites.... 1,8, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11; pi. 1

Phyllotheca.............................. 2,3,6,7

Schizoneu ra.............................. 1

bengalensis, Raniganjia........................ 9

Calamites.................................... 2,4,7

deliquescent, Phyllotheca. 

Descriptions of flora.. -.

Equisetaceous stalks. 

Equisetaceous stem.. 

Equisetalean stem... 

Equisetum...........

Flora, descriptions .

Gamophyllites................................ 3

Gondwana deposits, Lower.._._._-_-.-.- 1 

Gondwanasphenopsids. ................__ 3

Gondwanaland........-..-.-..-..-.-..-- 1,3,4,6,7

Page 

sis, Schizoneura............. F2,7,8; pi. 2

Qondwanostachys............................. 3

griesbachi, Phyllotheca......................... 7

indica, Phyttotheca,........................... 2,7

Raniganjia............................... 9

Investigations, previous..--................. 1

ivini, Annularia............................... 9

Umbettaphyllites...................... 9, 11;pi.2

Koretrophyllites............................... 3

minima, Umbellaphyllites..........-.-..-...- 1,9,10

mvelleriana, Phyllotheca...................... 7

multirame, Sphenophyllum.................... 1

Neokoretrophyllites. 

Nilssonia..........

Noeggerathiopsis...

Paracalamiles.................. 2,3,5,6,7,8,11; pi. I

australin..................... 1,2,8,9,11; pis. 1-3

sp.A.........----.--...----......-..-.... 2

sp.B_._..___............................. 2

Phyllotheca...-.................... 1,3,7,8,11; pi. 2

australis.............................. 1,2,3,6,7

deliguescens............................... 2

griesbachi................................. 1

indica..................................... 2,7

muelleriana............................... 1

zeillerL................................... 2

sp._........................ 1,2,3,6,7,8; pi. 2

Piige 

Plant organs, parallel-veined or parallel-ribbed

fragments.-------..---.-----. F/0;r'.3

Rachis of ferns_.---.--..-..-..-...--.---..-. 2 

Raniganjia.............................. 1,3,9,10,11

bengalensis................................ 9

indica..................................... 9

Schizoneura............................ 1,2,3,7,8,11

africana................................... 8

australis.................................. 7

gondwanensis....................... 2,3,7; pi. 2

meriani................................... 7

wardiL................................... 8

Sp-._................................. 1,2,7,8,9

scrobiculatus, Archaeocalamites................ 2

Sphenophyllum............................... 1,11

multirame................................. 1

Sphenopsid leaves........ ...--....-... 10; pi. 3

Stettotheca................................... 1,3,11

Tschernovia sp.

Umbellaphyllites................... 1,3,9,10,11; pi. 2

annularioides............................. 9,10

ivini.................................. 8,11; pi. 2

minima.................................. 1,9,10

wardii, Schizoneura. 

zeilleri, Phyllotheca..

F13

PLATES 1-3
PLATE 1

[Orientation of the figure on the plate is not Intended to suggest any particular orientation during life]

FIGURES 1-9. Paracalamites australis Rigby (p. F2).

1. Stem with attached branch. Note the thinning of the branch toward the contact with the main stem, which is 

typical of the calamites and indicates that this specimen is a pith cast. Specimen QM 29 about 2,270 feet above 

basement on south side of Roaring Valley, about 18 miles southeast of Mount Helmer Hansen summit, Queen 

Maud Range, Antarctica. Collected by W. E. Long, Institute of Polar Studies.

2. Nodal diaphragm of a stem. Shows size; shape has been determined by irregular fracturing in the ro'Jk. Specimen 

E 62, near middle of Upper Polarstar Unit, East Ridge, Polarstar Peak, Sentinel Range, Antarct'ea. Collected 

by Campbell Craddock and associates, Minnesota.

3. Enlarged view (X 2)0 of fig. 2 to show details of radial ribbing.

4. Internal cast of stem. Specimen P4-54, Brown Nunatak, Pecora Escarpment, southern Pensacola Mountains, 

Antarctica. Collected by A. B. Ford, U.S. Geological Survey.

5. Fragment, enlarged view (X 2J^) to show detail of fine longitudinal striations on ribs and spaces between ribs. 

Specimen P4-92, from same locality as fig. 4.

6. Mold showing detail of inner surface of stem. Specimen P4-73, from same locality as fig. 4.

7. Enlarged view (X 4) of fragment to show details of fiber distribution at nodes. Text fig. 1 is based on details of 

nodes in this specimen. Specimen E 59, from same locality as fig. 2.

8. Slender stem that has what appear to be branches arising at most nodes. Specimen QM I77d, 1,759 feet above 

basement on South Ridge about 34 miles south-southeast of Mount Helmer Hansen, Queen Maud Range, 

Antarctica. Collected by W. E. Long, Institute of Polar Studies.

9. Matted stem fragments randomly oriented, lying approximately along bedding planes. This attitude is typical 

for these stems when preserved as impressions. Specimen E 36, from same locality as fig. 2.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

*

PROFESSIONAL PAPER 613-F PLATE 1

PARACALAMITES AUSTRALIS RIGBY
PLATE 2

[Orientation of the figure on the plate is not intended to suggest any particular orientation during life]

FIGURES 1-3. Umbellaphyllites ivini (Walkom) Rigby (p. F9).

1. Almost complete leaf whorl; enlarged view (X 2J4) to show forking of leaf midribs more distinct with complete fusion of veins in upper center, less distinct with two veins separate but almost touching in lower right. 

Specimen E 280, near middle of Upper Polarstar Unit, East Ridge, Polarstar Peak, Sentinel Range, Antarctica. 

Collected by Campbell Craddock and associates, Minnesota.

2. Partial leaf whorl attached to a slender stem. A node occurs at the lower end of the straight section of the stem. 

The curved part follows a fracture in the rock. Specimen E 281, from same locality as fig. 1.

3. Same specimen and view as fig. 1, natural size. The free apical part of the leaf may be seen on some leaves along 

the lower edge.

4. Phyllotheca sp. (p. F7).

Partial leaf whorl showing typical fused leaves becoming free toward the apex. Specimen B 812/11 of collection 

V-42-NZ; nunatak 2 miles southeast of Dawson Peak summit, Painted Cliffs district, Queen Elizabeth Range, 

west side, Upper Bowden Neve", Antarctica. Collected by R. I. Walcott, New Zealand Geological Survey.

5. Phyllotheca^ sp. (p. F7).

Very fragmentary leaf whorl that appears to be typical of Phyllotheca. Specimen H4w-13d; uppermost shale, 

Weaver Formation, Tillite Ridge, Wisconsin Range, Antarctica. Collected by V. H. Minshew, Institute of Polar 

Studies. 

6-8. Paracalamites australis Rigby (p. F2).

6. Broadest stem found. The bend is apparent only, being caused by a second stem fragment being pressed into 

the first. Specimen E 54, from same locality as fig. 1. See p. F4 for dimensions.

7. Small slender stem with nodes close together. Narrowest stem found. Specimen H4w-13c, from same locality 

as fig. 5.

8. Enlarged view (X 2J4) of fig. 7 to show details of ribbing and swelling at nodes. 

9-12. Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel (p. F7).

9. Isolated leaf showing single midrib. Apparently, neither base nor apex are preserved. Specimen H3-75; about 

985 feet below diabase cap on ridge 1 mile northeast of Terrace Ridge, Mount Schopf, Ohio Range, Antarctica. 

Collected by W. E. Long, Institute of Polar Studies.

10. Enlarged view (X 2%) of part of isolated leaf of fig. 9 to show longitudinal striations.

11. Leaves attached to a distorted stem of Paracalamites australis Rigby. The longest attached leaf is at upper right; 

other leaves occur at the two lower nodes. Specimen H3-75; same locality as in fig. 9.

12. Fragmentary leaves attached to a stem of Paracalamites australis Rigby. Specimen H3-75; same locality as in 

fig. 9.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 613-P PLATE 2

6 7 8 12

UMBELLAPHYLLITES IVINI (WALKOM) RIGBY, PHYLLOTHECA, PARACALAMITES AUSTRALIS RIGBY,

AND SCHIZONEURA GONDWANENSIS FEISTMANTEL
PLATE 3

[Orientation of the figure on the plate is not intended to suggest any particular orientation during life]

FIGURE 1. Sphenopsid leaves (p. F10).

These very small organs appear to be arranged in a whorl. Specimen (X 5) SR 72-99; 15 feet below thick coal 

bed in upper part of section, Brown Nunatak, Pecora Escarpment, Pensacola Mountains area, Antarctica. 

Collected by J. M. Schopf and J. F. Rigby, U.S. Geological Survey. 

2, 3. Plant organs (p. F10).

2. Strips of plant material which appear to be leaves. Most fragments shown on this specimen have no apex, base, 

or sides preserved. Specimen B 819/12 of collection V-46-NZ; spur on south side Prebble Glacier, about 3>§ 

miles north-northwest of Mount Falla summit, Queen Alexandra Range, Antarctica. Collected by R. I. Walcott, 

New Zealand Geological Survey.

3. Strips of plant material. Two forms are shown. A single fragment of the form that has broadly spaced ribs lies 

along the upper right; this form resembles a stem rather than a leaf. The remaining fragments are of the form 

that has closely spaced ribs. Specimen B 819/14 of collection V-46-NZ; same locality and collector as for fig. 2 

4-8. Paracalamites australis Rigby (p. F2).

4. Stem that has irregular rib arrangement at nodes. Specimen E 44a, near middle of Upper Polarstar Unit, East 

Ridge, Polarstar Peak, Sentinel Range, Antarctica. Collected by Campbell Craddock and associates, Minnesota.

5. Enlarged view (X 2%) of fig. 4 to show arrangement of fibers entering and crossing nodes. Text fig. 2 shows 

the fiber arrangement at the right-hand side of the upper node.

6. Internal cast of base of a stem showing very short internodes and rapidly expanding diameter of the stem away 

from the base. Specimen H4w-15c, shale at top of Mount Weaver Formation, Tillite Ridge, Wisconsin Range, 

Antarctica. Collected by V. H. Minshew, Institute of Polar Studies.

7. Poorly preserved stem bearing a branch apparently similar to branch in fig. 6. Specimen QM 11B; 1,785 feet 

above basement at head of Wildcat Canyon, about 17 miles southeast of Mount Helmer Hansen summit, Queen 

Maud Range, Antarctica. Collected by W. E. Long, Institute of Polar Studies.

8. Poorly preserved broad stem; internodes very much shorter than stem width. This form is typical of the lower 

parts of trunks. Specimen QM 10; same locality as in fig. 7, but about 20 feet higher in the section.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 613-F PLATE 3

8 

SPHENOPSID LEAVES, PLANT ORGANS, AND PARACALAMITES AUSTRALIS RIGBY

Contributions to

Paleontology

1968

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 613

This volume was published 

as separate chapters A F
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

WALTER J. HICKEL, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

William T. Pecora, Director
CONTENTS

[Letters designate the separately published chapters]

(A) An early Reticuloceras Zone fauna from the Hale Formation in northwestern Arkansas, by Mackenzie Gordon, Jr.

(B) Teiichispira, a new Early Ordovician gastropod genus, by Ellis L. Yochelson and Clive R. Jones.

(C) Early Pennsylvanian ammonoids from southern Nevada, by Mackenzie Gordon, Jr.

(D) Ferns from the Chinle Formation (Upper Triassic) in the Fort Wingate area, New Mexico, by Sidney R. Ash.

(E) Carboniferous megafaunal and microfaunal zonation in the northern Cordillera of the United States, by William J. Sando,

	Bernard L. Mamet, and J. Thomas Dutro, Jr. 

(F) Permian sphenopsids from Antarctica, by J. F. Rigby.

US. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1969 O 357-071