Spencerites leismanii sp. nov., a new sub-arborescent compression lycopsid and its spores from the Pennsylvanian of the Czech Republic

A new sub-arborescent lycopsid species Spencerites leismanii sp. nov. is proposed for compression specimens yielding spores of the Spencerisporites-type. Macrofossils of Spencerites leismanii were studied as well as in situ spores. All specimens are from the Tlustice relict within the Bolsovian strata of the Radnice Member, Pennsylvanian. Spencerites leismanii is interpreted as a relatively small sub-arborescent lycopsid – probably more than 1 m high – with at least three orders of branching. Its sporangia are borne singly on peltate sporophylls, attached distally by a narrow base. In situ pseudosaccate trilete spores possess striate sculpture on the proximal and distal surfaces of the central body. The pseudosaccus is reticulate with a narrow rim on the margin. Spores isolated from Spencerites leismanii can be classified as Spencerisporites cf. striatus. A reconstruction of Spencerites leismanii is presented and palaeoecology of Spencerites species from the Czech Republic is discussed.