HJ. MÖLLER AND T. G. HALLE, FOSSIL FLORA OF S.E. SCANIA. 23 



Sphenopteris sp. (C/. Dicksonia pauciloba Moll.) 



PI. 3, figs. 9—11. 



In pl. 3, figs. 9 and 11, are shown a couple of specimens 

 of a Sphenopteris, which are too imperfect to be definitely 

 determined but seem to be closely comparable with the 

 form described by Möllere as Dicksonia pauciloba. 



The specimens consist of fragments of pinnae with a 

 number of pinnules attached, and convey no idea of the 

 shape of the frond. The pinnules are directed forward, are 

 ovate in shape and attached in one point but a Httle de- 

 current on the pinna-rachis. They are almost entire or 

 slightly lobed, with one or more rarely two rounded lobes 

 on each side. The venation is distinct, consisting of a slen- 

 der midrib and almost equally strong secondary veins, which 

 divide once or twice. 



This form belongs to the common type of Mesozoic 

 ferns which group themselves round Sphenopteris (Coniopteris) 

 hymenophylloides Brgn. It comes particularly near to some 

 specimens described by Möller (1. c.) from the Bagaa flora 

 in Bornholm as Dicksonia pauciloha. This species is charac- 

 terized by almost entire or slightly and obtusely trilobate 

 pinnules. The present form is hardly distinguishable from 

 some of the Bornholm specimens — the pinnules are perhaps 

 more often entire — but the material is insufficient for a 

 certain determination. The Bornholm form is sterile and 

 therefore, in accordance with a modern classification, should 

 be referred to Sphenopteris. Since there exists already a 

 Sphenopteris pauciloha, the species should accordingly have a 

 new name. 



The type of frond, to which these specimens belong, is 

 a common one in Mesozoic rocks but is especially characteristic 

 of the Middle Jurassic. 



^ Möller, Hj., Bidrag till Bornholms fossila flora. Pteridofyter. 

 Lunds Univ. Årsskr. Bd 38. Afd. 2. N:o 5. 1902. P. 21. PL 2, figs. 2—6. 



