Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich University Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2019 Mutoviaspermum krassilovii gen. et sp. nov.: A peculiar compound ovuliferous Conifer cone from the Lopingian (late Permian) of European Russia (Vologda region) Karasev, Eugeny ; Forte, Giuseppa ; Coiro, Mario ; Kustatscher, Evelyn Abstract: Premise of research: Late Permian Voltziales are interpreted to have given rise to most extant conifer families, although their origin and evolutionary relationships are still poorly understood. Te Poldarsa Formation (Kichuga Member) of Mutovino (=Isady) in European Russia yielded a diverse Lopingian (upper Permian) fora including some very peculiar compound ovuliferous cones. Methodology: Te micromorphologies of eight spec- imens of dispersed compound ovuliferous cones—some in organic connection with conifer shoot fragments—are described, and their relationships are tested in a phylogenetic analysis. Pivotal results: Mutoviaspermum kras- silovii gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by a stout main axis with helically arranged ovuliferous scales protected by coriaceous bracts. Te polysperms have a peltate structure with an apical whorl of segments fused only in the basal part near the stalk and with a seed scar on each segment. Te anatomical connection between M. krassilovii and Qadrocladus-like leaves provides the basis for reassessing the botanical afnities of these taxa. Conclusions: A morphological phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of Mutoviaspermum as an early- diverging genus within Voltziales, although a precise relationship of this genus with other early conifers remains uncertain. Results of this analysis underline the ambiguous position of Qadrocladus and highlight its complex and poorly understood relationship within the Permian conifers. DOI: htps://doi.org/10.1086/704944 Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: htps://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-174071 Journal Article Published Version Te following work is licensed under a Creative Commons: Atribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License. Originally published at: Karasev, Eugeny; Forte, Giuseppa; Coiro, Mario; Kustatscher, Evelyn (2019). Mutoviaspermum krassilovii gen. et sp. nov.: A peculiar compound ovuliferous Conifer cone from the Lopingian (late Permian) of European Russia (Vologda region). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 180(8):779-799. DOI: htps://doi.org/10.1086/704944