Sprecher
Beschreibung
Lueckisporites virkkiae Potonié et Klaus 1954 emend. Clarke 1965 is a distinctive Permian taeniate bisaccate pollen. It is characterised by a smooth corpus, two well-developed sacci, and two prominent proximal taeniae associated with a monolete-like sulcus. Its botanical affinity, historically linked to several conifers, is consistent with Majonicaceae. Since its original definition, the genus Lueckisporites has undergone multiple emendations. While early studies proposed several species and morphotypes, later works emphasised a broad morphological continuum within L. virkkiae, leading to the definition of variants and palynodemes. Recent ultrastructural analyses support the interpretation that this variability reflects intraspecific plasticity, probably driven by hydration–dehydration processes (harmomegathy).
From a chronostratigraphical perspective, L. virkkiae has long been regarded as a key taxon for the late Permian, particularly within Euramerican palynoassemblages. However, earlier occurrences in the lower Permian and its debated global synchronicity have led to increasing uncertainty regarding its chronostratigraphical range. A comprehensive revision of the stratigraphic and palaeogeographic distribution of L. virkkiae is based on published occurrences across multiple basins and phytogeographic provinces. By critically reassessing taxonomic criteria and integrating updated age constraints, we aim to refine its chronostratigraphical range and evaluate its significance as a potential interregional correlation tool in late Palaeozoic successions.