Lonchopteris.
This name was proposed by Brongniart[1579] for sterile fronds from Upper Carboniferous rocks which are practically identical with species of Alethopteris, but differ in the reticulate venation of the pinnules. It has been pointed out in a previous chapter[1580] that Lonchopteris is usually used for Palaeozoic species, the Wealden leaves, which were placed in this genus by Brongniart, being transferred to Weichselia.
There can be little doubt as to the close relationship of Lonchopteris with Alethopteris: both may be referred to the Pteridosperms. Lonchopteris rugosa Brongn.[1581] ([fig. 290], B, p. 399) and L. Bricei Brongn., both British species, are fairly common in Upper Carboniferous strata. In L. rugosa, a Middle Coal-Measures species, the anastomosing secondary veins form polygonal meshes ([fig. 290], B, p. 399) smaller than those of L. Bricei.