Epidermal—cuticular studies

Abstract

Without epidermal-cuticular studies (ECS) distinctions between species, genera and suprageneric taxa (up to and including the rank of class) of fossil plants would in many instances be impossible. This refers especially to Peltaspermales, Ginkgoales, Leptostrobales, Cordaitanthales, Pinales, Cycadales, Bennettitales and many angiosperms. Because of ECS the systematics of many groups of plants as well as current notions on their stratigraphic and geographic distribution underwent a radical change. ECS have a paramount role in deciphering plant morphology, particularly in the reconstruction of the original, life-time connections between various parts according to then epidermal structure. For instance, by means of ECS organic connections have been established between the foliage of Czekanowskia and female capsules of Leptostrobus, also between leaves of Phylladoderma and fructifications of Cardiolepsis. Dispersed cuticles can also be used to characterize rock deposits. Their classification is discussed below. Detailed information on ECS can be gleaned from reviews: Dilcher, 1974; Edwards et al., 1982; Kidwai, 1981; Krassilov, 1968, 1978a; Mehra and Soni, 1983; Meyen, 1965; Pant, 1965; Rasmussen, 1981; Roselt and Schneider, 1969; Samylina, 1980; Sinclair and Sharma, 1971; Stace, 1965; Tomlinson, 1974; Van Cotthem, 1970.