A NEW LYCOPHYTE MIOSPORE SPECIES FROM THE MIDDLE JURASSIC OF IRAN

A new, morphologically distinctive, lycophyte species from the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian-Callovian) Dalichai and Baghamshah formations of north and central Iran is introduced herein. It is typified by featuring distinct polygonal amb, well-defined margo, and prominent reticulate exine except for the proximal face. The new taxon occurs as minor constituent of diverse, well-preserved palynofloras comprising both marine and land-derived palynomorphs that collectively denote a Middle Jurassic (Bajocian-Bathonian-Callovian) age. The apparent short stratigraphic range and conspicuous morphological attributes of the new taxon likely nominate it as a potentially valuable biostratigraphic index for inter-basinal correlation of Middle Jurassic strata across north and central Iran.