The fossil pollen genus Classopollis

Abstract

The generic name Classopollis Pflug, 1953, is considered as a valid usable name for Mesozoic spherical pollen characterized by a subequatorial circumpolar canal, a thickened equatorial band, a distal cryptopore, and a proximal tetrad scar. A study of Classopollis exine revealed the absence of nexine. Classopollis has a worldwide distribution in Upper Triassic‐Turonian strata. Plants producing Classopollis have affinity with araucarian and/or gnetalean conifers. They occupied well‐drained soils of upland slopes and lowlands near coastal areas, preferring the warm climate of transgressive seas.