Taeniopteris cf. multinervis Weiss with cuticle anatomy from the lower Permian of Baode, North China

Taeniopteris Brongniart is widespread all over the world and is one of the most common elements in the Permian Cathaysian floras of northern China. However, its systematic position is largely unknown because of lacking anatomical information. Based on materials from the lower Permian of Baode, Shanxi, cuticle anatomy of Taeniopteris cf. multinervis Weiss is examined for the first time. Leaves are linear, entire-margined with obtuse apex, tapered base and 2-3 times bifurcated lateral veins. Haplocheilic stomata are present on both adaxial and abaxial cuticles. Adaxial cuticle is moderately thick, and stomata are arranged in rows on the midrib and lateral vein bases, and irregularly in the intercostal fields. Abaxial cuticle is extremely thin, and stomata are also distributed in rows on the midrib, and irregularly in the intercostal fields. Morphological and epidermal characteristics as well as associated seeds suggest Taeniopteris cf. multinervis Weiss probably has cycadalean affinity, although pteridosperm cannot be excluded. Taeniopteris cf. multinervis Weiss is probably a tropical rain forest understory species with a river-side habitat, and well adapted to a humid environment based on its thin abaxial cuticle, unsunken stomata and water-repellent adaxial surface.