Latest Permian Peltasperm Plant From Southwest China and Its Paleoenvironmental Implications

• DOI: 10.3389/feart.2020.559430
• Publication Date: 2020-10-30T12:24:40Z
• Authors: Zhuo Feng; Hai‐Bo Wei; Rong‐Hui Ye; Qun Sui; Xu‐Dong Gou; Yun Guo; Lu‐Jun Liu; Shi‐Ling Yang
• Keywords: Flora; Terrestrial ecosystem

A monospecific flora containing a peltasperm species, Germaropteris martinsii, is discovered from the uppermost Permian Kayitou Formation of Southwest China. The epidermal characteristics G. martinsii South China Block are described for first time on basis charcoalified specimens. plant characterised by small, leathery foliage with prominent papillate cells and slightly sunken stomata. stomatal apertures covered long papillae surrounding subsidiary cells. specific traits suggest that highly environmentally tolerant taxon probably formed communities during dramatic degradation peat-forming rainforest ecosystems. frequent appearance leaves in demonstrates intense wildfires were prevalent at time. reflectance value (1.33%) these reveal they temperatures 450–500°C brief surface fires. Our study indicates terrestrial ecosystems may have been frequently subjected to desiccation was vulnerable spread fires as result end-Permian biotic crisis tropics eastern Tethys region.