MORPHOGENESIS AND RELATIONSHIPS OF TROCHOPHYLLUM

Detailed study of the holotype and topotypes of the type species of Trocho-phyllum Milne-Edwards and Haime reveals that this genus has a unique internal morphology mocrt simiBr to Nearon Kullman. Although the swematic relation-ships of small, aulate solitary corals remain dubious, Trochophyllum is refer-red provisionally to the family Petraiidae de Koninck. The genus is represented by the type species, T. verneutlanum Milne-Edwards and Haime, and the in-formal taxon T. sp. 1, which 'are known only from Tournaisian (early Osagean) strata in Kentucky and Indiana, USA. Previously published records of Trocho-phyllum outside the type locality of its type specie8 are either invalid or un-confirmable on present published information Trochophytlum is distinguished by a highly variable aulos th'at is typically of the stereotheca-type, filled with stereoplasm at maturity; axial tabulae absent or not preserved at maturily; cardinal septum shortened in the calice; and minor septa developed only as foundations. K e y w o r d s: corals, Rugosa. Carboniferous, systematics