Polysporia baetica sp. nov., a new heterosporous sub-arborescent isoetalean from lower Bolsovian (Middle Pennsylvanian) strata of the Peñarroya-Belmez-Espiel Coalfield (Córdoba, SW Spain)

Heterosporous adpression specimens, assigned to the sub-arborescent isoetalean lycopsid Polysporia, are described from lower Bolsovian strata of the Peñarroya-Belmez-Espiel Coalfield in SW Spain together with in situ micro- and megaspores. Microspores are of the Endosporites zonalis-type and megaspores have been assigned to Valvisisporites augustae. These megaspores are recorded for the first time in situ, and the combined presence of these micro- and megaspores is crucial information for the definition of a new species. The palynological analysis of dispersed miospores from the mudstone on which the Polysporia compression occurs, belongs to the TL palynozone, thus confirming the early Bolsovian age previously established by megafloral data. The genus Polysporia is discussed in the context of related genera. A general discussion of isoetalean lycopsids shows their worldwide occurrence in Late Paleozoic times, including the Gondwana area.