Voltziopsis, a southern conifer of lower Triassic age

Abstract

Shoots ascribed to Voltziopsis africana Seward are described, with cuticular detail. These compare very closely with the shoot system, with an attached seed cone, caned V. wolganensis sp. nov., which is associated with pollen of the Strotersporites Wilson sort. The shoot called, Brachyphyllum angustum Walkom is redescribed though Walkom's specimens cannot be found, and proves to be so close to the species referred to Voltziopsis that it is reclassified V. angusta (Walkom) comb. nov. The material considered comes from the Lower Triassic of New South Wales, and reasons are given for considering all Voltziopsis specimens Lower Triassic also. The classification of Voltziopsis in the Coniferales is discussed.