Fructification diversity from the La Golondrina Formation (Permian), Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

The Permian ([?]Late Cisuralian-Lopingian) outcrops of the La Golondrina Formation (Santa Cruz, Argentina) are known for their abundant and diverse fossil flora, including Gondwanan and Euramerican elements. However, of all the groups represented, fructifications have only been recognized for a few glossopterids and sphenophytes. This study describes and reviews 11 taxa from both specimens housed institutionally and recently collected, comprising a total of 14 fertile morphotaxa recognized in the La Golondrina Formation (excluding pteridophytes). In addition to their systematic description, hindrances to identification related to the fragmentary nature and sparse occurrence of the fructifications are discussed. The La Golondrina Formation hosts the highest known number of fructifications and greatest diversity amongst Permian basins in South America, reaffirming its status as one of the most diverse floras of that time. (c) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.