M. Hieb's Plant Fossils of West Virginia Mariopteris sp. Janzen Cyclopteris is a form-genus for large circular pinnules, up to ca. 10 cm in diameter, which are found in the basal parts of Neuropteris fronds or in the basal parts of its pinnae. In contrast to true ferns Pteridosperms have well developed, very resistant cuticles . Each genus, or in most cases even every species, has its own typical epidermal pattern reflected in the overlying cuticle.
Cuticles are therefore very useful in taxonomic.
Moreover, cuticles also display a number of other features that can be used in palaeoecological and palaeoclimatological studies. The last check of the list of links was done on 25 November 2000. Ratings are of course subjective but should be helpful for finding the fastest way to good pictures on the web. Own pictures are of course not rated. Although links are checked regularly, some may be outdated.