Mugideiriflora portugallica E.M.FRIIS, P.R.CRANE et K.R.PEDERSEN, 2020

Text-fig. 2a, b

Description and remarks. Mugideiriflora portugallica is based on a single small, partly abraded, early anthetic flower (Text-fig. 2a) that has a multiparted perianth, androecium and gynoecium and was recovered from the Catefica mesofossil flora (for a full description and discussion of the species see Friis et al. 2020a). Additional specimens are preserved at very early developmental stages. The receptacle is slightly concave, but with a short conical apex in the gynoecial region (Text-fig. 2a). There are about 50 laminar tepals, 50 stamens and more than 50 carpels, all apparently in a spiral arrangement (Text-fig. 2b).

Affinity and other occurrences. Phylogenetic assessment suggests that Mugideiriflora portugallica is closely related to members of extant Austrobaileyales, although a possible affinity with members of extant Magnoliales cannot be excluded (Friis et al. 2020a).

Mugideiriflora portugallica is currently known only from the Catefica mesofossil flora where it is recorded from samples collected near the base of the exposure.