Paleobotanical and palynological evidence for the age of the Matzitzi Formation, Mexico

Abstract

This study addresses some of the stratigraphical problems of the Matzitzi Formation of Puebla and Oaxaca States in Mexico. The age assignment for this unit is controversial although most researchers today accept a Leonardian age (Kungurian, 279.3–272.3 Ma) based on the presence of the gigantopterid Lonesomia mexicana Weber. However, after re-examination of the holotype and two paratypes, the absence of diagnostic taxonomic characters prevents the assignment of this fossil type species to the gigantopterid group. Excluding the presence of gigantopterids in this formation, the macroflora seems to be Permian in age. Samples were collected for palynological analysis to determine the age of the formation. Studied palynological assemblages seem to be reworked and are represented by 18 fossil taxa assigned to the following genera: Calamospora, Deltoidospora, Densosporites, Granulatisporites, Laevigatosporites, Latipulvinites, Lophotriletes, Platysaccus, Punctatosporites, Raistrickia, Schopfipollenites, Thymospora, Triquitrites, Verrucosisporites, and Vesicaspora. Described palynomorphs are likely Late Pennsylvanian according to the presence of Latipulvinites kosankii and Thymospora thiessenii. The biostratigraphic and geochronologic age disparities should be solved in the future.

Keywords

• Paleobotany
• Palynology
• Matzitzi Formation
• <i>Lonesomia mexicana</i>
• Mexico