Further Interpretation of Wodehouseia spinata Stanley from the Late Maastrichtian of the Far East (China)

Abstract

Dispersed pollen grains Wodehouseia spinata Stanley of unknown botanical affinity from the Maastrichtian of the Amur River Region, Far East are studied using transmitted light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The pollen was probably produced by wetland or aquatic plants, adapted to a sudden change in the water regime during the vegetation season. The pattern of the exine sculpture and sporoderm ultrastructure suggests that insects contributed to pollination. The flange and unevenly thickened endexine could facilitate harmomegathy. A tetragonal or rhomboidal tetrad type seems to be most logical for Wodehouseia pollen. The infratectum structure suggests that Wodehouseia should be placed within an advanced group of eudicots.