The fronds described by Zeiller as T. spatulata[1278] ([fig. 330], B, C) closely resemble Jurassic leaves from Victoria referred to Taeniopteris Daintreei McCoy[1279].

Fig. 330.

  1. Taeniopteris Carnoti, Ren. and Zeill. (Nat. size. After Renault and Zeiller.)
  2. T. spatulata, McClell. (Nat. size. After Zeiller.)
  3. T. spatulata. (× 3. After Zeiller.)
  4. Supposed sporangium of T. coriacea. (× 15. After Sellards.)
  5. T. coriacea. (× 2. After Sellards.)

Whether specifically identical or not, these leaves represent a type distinguished from the other species of the genus by the small breadth of the linear-lanceolate or linear-spathulate lamina, which may be 6–15 cm. in length and 3–12 mm. broad. The lamina is often characterised by transverse folds ([fig. 330], C).

Taeniopteris Carruthersi. Fig. 331.
1872.Taeniopteris Daintreei, Carruthers, Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc. Vol. XXVIII. Pl. XXVII. fig. 6.
1883.T. Carruthersi, Tenison-Woods, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, Vol. VIII. p. 117.

Fig. 331. Taeniopteris Carruthersi, Ten.-Woods. Nat. size.

The simple fronds included under this specific name are characterised by a strong midrib from which numerous simple or forked secondary veins are given off at a right angle or slightly inclined. The breadth of the lamina decreases gradually towards the petiole. The Australian species named by McCoy Taeniopteris Daintreei, to which Carruthers referred the Queensland fossils, has a much narrower and more linear form of frond, and for this reason Tenison-Woods instituted a new specific name. T. Carruthersi represents a form of leaf met with in Rhaetic, or possibly Upper Triassic, rocks in S. Africa[1280] and Australia. A very similar, perhaps an identical type, was described from Argentina by Geinitz[1281] as T. mareyiaca: among many other examples of this form of frond may be mentioned T. immersa[1282] Nath. from the Rhaetic rocks of Scania and T. virgulata from the Rhaetic of Tonkin[1283].