REVISION OF PENTAPHYLLUM DE KONINCK, 1872 (ANTHOZOA, RUGOSA)

Abstract

Lectotypes of Pentaphyllum armatum and P. caryophyllatum, both of De Koninck (1872) have been sectioned for the first time and are completely illustrated; both are preserved as silicified outer shells with inner structures dissolved. The morphology of the calices strongly suggests that they have different taxonomic positions. Thus, their synonymy, suggested by Schindewolf (1942), is rejected. P. armatum, selected as type species for the genus by Hinde (1890) possesses six, not five leading major septa. Consequently, all taxa except Hexalasma Soshkina, 1928, and perhaps Pseudocryptophyllum Easton, 1944, are unrelated to Pentaphyllum. It is proposed to restrict the name Pentaphyllum to the lectotype. The well established Cryptophyllum Carruthers, 1919, which includes P. caryophyllatum, is considered valid. In addition to a brief analysis of Lower Carboniferous corals included here in Cryptophyllum, a few specimens from the British Tournaisian are described and illustrated to show morphological variability of specimens from the same bed. Review of earlier studies on these types of corals, discussion on the difference between zaphrentoid and cryptophylloid early ontogeny and its bearing on taxonomy, and description of taxa, are also included.

ON PENTAMPLEXUSSCHINDEWOLF, 1940 (ANTHOZOA, RUGOSA) AND ITS POSSIBLE RELATIVES AND ANALOGUES

“…In contrast to Weyer and Ilina (1979) who offered a comprehensive discussion, no further discussion was given by Ezaki. My recent revision of the lectotypes of both species included by De Koninck (1872) in Pentaphyllum (Fedorowski in press) makes that question even more complex. In contrast to the idea introduced by Schindewolf (1942) and accepted by his followers, the counter protoseptum in the lectotype of the type species of Pentaphyllum is equal in length to the counter‐lateral septa.…”

Acta Geologica Polonica

“…Hudson (1936a) re-studied de Koninck's specimens, recognised their poor preservation and transferred P. caryophyllatum to Cryptophyllum (see Fedo rowski 2009b, p. 570). I have repeated that revision (Fedorowski 2009b) and confirmed both the transfer of P. caryophyllatum to Cryptophyllum and the diagenetic alterations (silicification and partial dissolution) of both types and the only specimens representing de Koninck's (1872) species. Destruction of the early ontogeny is observed in both specimens, but that failure in P. armatum is especially important since it occurs in the type species of Pentaphyllum.…”

“…Fedorowski (1973) expanded Schindewolf's (1942) idea and introduced the new suborder Tachylasmatina. Later, Fedorowski (2009b) restudied the type specimens of both de Koninck's (1872) species, re-capitulated the history of the investigations on corals similar to or related to Pentaphyllum, proposed models of pentaphylloid or cryptophylloid vs zaphrentoid ontogeny, and suggested the incertae sedis taxonomic status of Pentaphyllum-like corals. The models remain valid, but the incertae sedis position of these taxa is not followed herein (see discussion on the family).…”

Acta Geologica Polonica

“…The illustrations provided by Flügel (1991) are inadequate for a firm identification of his specimens. My recent discussion of the genera Pentaphyllum and Cryptophyllum Carruthers, 1919(Fedorowski 2009a, 2021b allows Flügel's (1991) species of Pentaphyllum to be transferred to Cryptophyllum, assuming their early ontogeny as cryptophylloid. Here, I confirm the independent generic status of Pseudowannerophyllum, accepted earlier (Fedorowski 1987, p. 137).…”