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''Cosmochlaina'' (from Greek: kosmos=ornament; xlaina=wrapper/cloak) is a form genus of nematophyte – an early (Silurian – Devonian) plant known only from fossil cuticles, often found in association with tubular structures. The form genus was put forwards by Dianne Edwards, and is diagnosed by inwards-pointing flanges and randomly oriented pseudo-cellular units. Projections on the outer surface are always present, and sometimes also appear on the inner surface; however, the surface of the cuticle itself is always smooth.〔 The holes in the cuticle are often covered by round flaps, loosely attached along a side.〔 Where ''Nematothallus'' was sometimes used to relate only to tube-like structures, ''Cosmochlaina'' was used in reference to the cuticle fragments. Material discovered later revealed its internal anatomy, which comprises a lichen-like mat of 'hyphae'. It has been suggested that the pores of'' Cosmochlaina ''represent broken-off rhizoids, on the basis that rotting and acid treatment of extant liverworts produces a similar perforated texture. However, the status of this form genus in any one kingdom is not secure; members could, for example, represent arthropod cuticle. Alternatively, different species may in fact represent different parts of the same organism.〔 Based on the more recent material, a lichen affinity seems most plausible. ==See also== *''Nematothallus'', a closely related sister taxon *Evolutionary history of plants 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Cosmochlaina」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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