A re-examination of the type specimens of Yuania H.C. Sze 1953 and its junior synonym Russellites Mamay 1968 (Noeggerathiales)

The noeggerathialean fossil names Yuania H.C. Sze and Russellites Mamay are shown to be synonymous, with the latter being the junior synonym of the former. Examination and re-illustration of the type material of both Yuania and Russellites shows that they are indistinguishable taxonomically. Both sets of material have pinnules with clasping bases and concave apices in which the veins converge but do not anastomose. Sze's original description of Yuania was incorrect in indicating that the leaves were petiolate and that the veins converged. Yuania may be the first plant taxon identified in the Permian floras of China and North America with vegetative and reproductive organs represented on both continents.