| Tietea | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Division: | Polypodiophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Marattiales |
| Family: | †Psaroniaceae |
| Genus: | †Tietea Solms-Laubach |
| Species[1] | |
| |
Tietea was a genus ofmarattialeantree ferns from theLate Carboniferous to thePermian. The genus has been placed in a number of families, including Psaroniaceae.[1] The first described species wasTietea singularis, which grew up to 12 metres (39 ft) in height. It is estimated to represent close to 90% of some fossil assemblages inBrazil.[2][3]Tietea derbyi was described in 1992, but its validity has been questioned as it could be a laterally flattened specimen ofT. singularis.
Tietea singularis stems usually are less than 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in diameter, bearing four orthostichies of leaves in a decussate arrangement. The stem is surrounded by a continuous ring ofsclerenchyma that separates it from the root mantle.[4]T. singularis stem transverse sections have the same basic structure asPsaronius, but are composed of central vascular bundles having smaller, O- and C-shaped forms, or wavy segments having a short, rounded or fat configuration. Leaf traces are polymeristelic in Tietea, while they are monomeristelic inPsaronius.[5] TheTietea root mantle is composed of polyarch roots embedded in a parenchymatous tissue that is produced both by the stem and the roots.[6]
The preserved examples ofTietea singularis fromPedra do Fogo Formation, in theMaranhão Basin (northeastern Brazil, nearAraguaína) exhibit remarkable cell preservation and exquisite coloration. Much of the recovered wood material from this formation is of the tree fernsPsaronius andT. singularis, with fewer examples of the fossilized stems being ofCalamites.Conifers such asDadoxylon are also found.
Tietea singularis is also seen abundantly in theMotuca Formation,Parnaíba Basin inFiladélfia,Tocantins. In 2000, the area of the Motuca formation was transformed into aNatural monument, theMonumento Natural das Árvores Fossilizadas-MONAF (Tocantins Fossil Trees Natural Monument).[7][8]
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