Article: A new species of the lycopsid Pleuromeia from the early Triassic of Shanxi, China, and its ecology

A new species, Pleuromeia jiaochengensis, is recorded from the early Triassic of Jiaocheng district in Shanxi (Shansi) Province, China. Its small size, morphological features of the strobilus and sporophylls, abortive leaves, and the undeveloping rhizophore separate this from all other species. The succulent sporophylls may be a major area of photosynthesis. Based on lithology and distance from known marine strata, an inland desert environment is suggested for this new species. Its stratigraphic significance is discussed.