Payal B. Lokhande and Sanjay W. Patil
Abstract
In this work, a well-preserved arillated wing-like seed from the Deccan Intertrappean layers of the recently discovered Marai Patan, Taluka Jiwati, District-Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India, is discussed. To study the specimen, cherts were etched with hydrofluoric acid and then cellulose acetate peels were made. Showing a well-preserved seed. A small, ellipsoidal, orthotropous, dicotyledonous seed. Seed is bitegmic, inner integument and outer integument. A gap is present between inner integument and outer integument. Outer integument forms the expanded fleshy mass like wing and inner integument forms the inner seed coat. Wing expanded to form a fleshy mass of arillated wing and inner side of wings are found stony sclerenchymatous cells. Embryo ill preserved with two cotyledons; seed is ex-albuminous and non endospermic. In light of the comparison with available fossil evidence and living genera, it is apparent that the seed belongs to Wingospermocarpon. This seed is identified as a new species, Wingospermocarpon patanii sp. nov., based on its shape, which sets it apart from other Wingospermocarpon species.