BRACHYrHTLLUM. 215 



Brachyphyllum spinosum, sp. nov. 



[PI. XVII. Figs. 1-6.] 



Type. Large specimens from Ecclesbourne, near Hastings. 

 British Museum. 



This specific term is proposed as a convenient designation for 

 what is probably a new species of Bracliypliyllum. It is possible 

 that some of the Wealden specimens previously recorded from 

 other localities, and referred to this genus, may be fragments of 

 the present species ; but of this there is no proof. Seeing that 

 no fossils have been, so far, described in which the characters of 

 the large branches in the Rufford Collection are represented, we 

 must institute a new term. The species may be defined as 

 follows : 



Leaves fleshy, with a median keel on the convex surface ; the 

 surface may be finely striated ; leaf-scars rhomboidal, contiguous, 

 and spirally arranged. Some of the short lateral branches have 

 a pointed thorn-like form, and are clothed with the characteristic 

 fleshy leaves with pointed apices. Two or three of the spiny 

 branches arise approximately at the same level from the parent 

 axis. 



The short, stiff, leaf -bearing thorns or pointed branches constitute 

 the most prominent feature of the species. One may compare the 

 thicker branches, with their large rhomboidal leaf bases, with small 

 cycadean stems or twigs of Lepidodendron. In the absence of any 

 reproductive organs, it is impossible to assign the species to any 

 definite position among the Conifarce. It is no easy task to 

 determine the connection, if any, between such large specimens 

 as that represented in PI. XVII. Fig. 1, and the numerous 

 smaller portions of branches. The specimen shown in PI. XVII. 

 Fig. 6 (V. 2135) * is regarded as specifically identical with PI. 

 XVII. Fig. 1 (V. 2746), the striking diiference being probably 

 due to the destruction of the cortical tissues in the former case. 

 The small piece of branch represented in Fig. 5 (V. 2750), shows 

 very clearly the woody axis detached in the lower part of the 

 specimen from the cortical tissues and leaves. 



1 Kepresented in the figure one-third natural size. 



