Genus Pronephrium Presl 1851 (Thelypteridaceae) in Romania

Abstract

Pronephrium stiriacum (Unger) Knobloch et Kvaček 1976 (Filicales, Thelypteridaceae Holttum 1971) is reported from the Oligocene Petroșani Basin and from the Miocene Bozovici Basin in Romania. Morphological variations of this species, such as size of the leaves, venation and marginal teeth, in the Oligocene–Miocene time interval in Romania are described, discussed and illustrated. The distribution of the Thelypteridacean species Pronephrium stiriacum is also discussed regarding its European expansion during the Cenozoic. Moreover, the palaeoecology of this species is discussed based on taphonomy and occurrences, as Pronephrium stiriacum was a secondary coal generator.