,. Plant fossil assemblages from the Barakar Formation of Raniganj Coalfield, India
A. K. Srivastava
Srivastava, A. K. 1992. Plant fossil assemblages from the Barakar Formation of Raniganj Coalfield, India. Palaeobotanist 39(3) : 281-302.
Morphological and systematic investigation of plant fossils namely Equisetales (Pbyllotheca, Lelstotheca, Phyllothecan cone, Trlzygla), Filicales (Neomariopteris, Palasthalia gen. nov. shoWing sterile frond with auriculate base and pecopteroid venation pattern), glossopterids (leaves of Eurypbyllum, Gangamopteris, Glossopteris, Palaeovittarla, Gondwanopbyllites, Mahesbwaripbyllum gen. nov. having complete midrib and dichotomizing lateral veins, Partha, Scutum fructifications), Cordaitales (Noeggerathiopsis, Cordaites), detached seeds of Samaropsts and Cordalcarpus and scale leaves from different seams of Barakar Formation of Raniganj Coalfield are described. The flora of the lower seams (nos. B II-B IV) is comparatively more diversified and shows affinity with the Karharbari flora, whereas the flora of upper seams (nos. B V·B VII) is monotonous in composition in being mostly represented by Glossopteris species. The composition of the flora in relation to evolution and climatic changes suggests lineage towards the development of midrib character in the glossopterid leaves and existence of temperate climate with a change from warm moist to warm dry condition. Key-wards-Morphology, Palaeoclimate, Equisetales, Filicales, Glossopteridales, Cordaitales, Barakar Formation (India)
A. K. Srivastava, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow 226 007, India.
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~ ~-eh' ~-~ ~ ~ ~~ ~'"""wft~,~l'fil41~,flp<'<"1If\'l~~, ~3lT), cf; ~ (\'.:t:mqi\atc~fHI,~), ('tfl~"",'l,ijilillTc~~~,i"~C~i\~,qi\ ~~,~, ~qldf41~ iiilqloil~,""i,fa~~'li~_qfl~'""'l ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ '<'I1'<'I1'Q:i\~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *" flr<:rnT Barakar Formation in Raniganj Coalfield. Therefore foliage also favours their comparison with P. indica. systematic and seam-wise collections were made from following different collieries, open cast Geous- Gtrtdta Paot, Nautlyal lI: Misra 1981 projects and nala cuttings to find out the distribution Giridia barakarensis sp. nov. and variation pattern of the flora. PI. 1, figs 2-4 Chapapur open cast project Seam B-II Diagnosis-Articulate axis, up to 5 mm wide, Bajna open cast project Seam B- II internode 1.2 cm, bract-sheath about 1.2 cm wide at Tara open cast project Seam B- II Palasthali open cast project Seam B-II node; node shows whorl of bracts and abaxially Raja Colliery Seam B- II preserved bunch of copiously branched Dalmia open cast project Seam B-III sporangiophores, penultimate axes measure 2-4 mm Nirsa Colliery Seam B-III in length and 0.5 mm in width, forked, each fork Sangramgarh open cast project Seam B-IV terminally bears rounded to oval sporangia, 0.2·0.5 Gourandih Colliery Seam B-IV mm in diameter. Holotype-BSIP Specimen no. 36599; Seam no. Gopinathpur Colliery Seam B- IV Nirsa Khas Colliery Seam B-IV B-IV, Sangramgarh Open Cast Project, Raniganj Khudia Colliery Seam B-IV Coalfield; Barakar Formation, Early Permian. Amdih Colliery Seam B-V Description- There are four specimens in the West Victoria Colliery Seam B- V collection. The holotype shows two fertile regions near the node of axis, of them the upper one is Junkundar Colliery Seam B-V fragmentary but clearly demarcates the fertile nature. Lakhimata open cast project Seam Vl B- Faintly striated axis measures 4 cm in length and 5.2 Rajpura open cast project Seam Vl B- mm in width. The bract sheath is composed of 8-10 Pusai Nala cutting section Seam B-Vl bracts. Each bract has a midvein and New Bagma Colliery Seam B-VlI transverse/longitudinal striations are present over Shampur Nala cutting section Seam B-VlI the surface. They are comparable with the vegetative Shampur Colliery Seam B-VlI leaf of P. indica. The basal portion of bract-sheath The study is based only on the morphographical near the node bears 14 x 9 mm diameter cone features as it was not possible to study the cuticular having copio,l-lsly branched sporangiophores. The and cellular details. The thin carbonised crust primary axes emerge from the nodes at various present over the surface of specimens gets angles in different directions and Widely forked. The fragmented on chemical treatment. A check-list has true branching pattern is not decipherable due to been given of well known taxa. Detailed description repeated forking and overlapping, however, the is given only for important or newly established taxa. ultimate fork is straight and bears a terminal Distribution of species is shown in Table 1. sporangium measuring 0.2-0.5 mm in diameter. The type and figured specimens are deposited Comparison and discussion-The nature and in the Museum of Birbal Sahni Institute of organization of present phyllothecan cone compare Palaeobotany, Lucknow. with that of the genus Giridia described by Pant, Geous-PbyUotbeca BroogoJan 1828 Nautiyal and Misra (1981) from Giridih Coalfield. The primary axis of sporangiophores in the type Phyllotheca indica Bunbury 1861 species, G. indica Pant, Nautiyal & Misra 1981, PI. 1, fig. 1 emerges almost at right angles, whereas in G. The present specimens are comparable with the barakarensis sp. nov. it emerges at various angles in leaves of P. indica described by Pant and Kidwai different directions. The ultimate fork which bears (1968, pI. 30, figs 4, 6). The occurrence of fertile sporangia is recurved in former but such behaviour specimens of Giridia in association with sterile is not identifiable in the latter. -+ PLATE 1 1. Phyllotheca indica Bunbury, specimen no. BSIP 36598, 3. Holotype in figure 2 photographed under xylol to show Nat. size. position of cones, Ca x 1.5. 2. Giridia barakarensis sp. nov., holotype showing bract sheath 4. Part of specimen to show details of cone structure, and fertile structures near nodal region, specimen no. photographed under xylol, x 3. BSIP 36599, Ca x 2. «) co N z 0 ~ 0 ~ .',\ . 'j \:....' J •. ;;~ ....;, '.\1-. ~.. ~ ". .',' ~ " \: ~ ::E 0 e: M Genus- Lelstotbeca Mabesbwari 1972 twice, sometimes proximal veinlet of each lateral veins show further dichotomy. The specimens are comparable with the earlier Holotype-B.S. I. P. Specimen no. 36600; Seam records of L. robusta and L. striata reported by no. B-Il, Palasthali open cast project, Raniganj Maheshwari and Srivastava (1987, pI. 1, figs 1-5) Coalfield; Barakar Formation, Early Permian. from the Barakar Formation of Raniganj Coalfield. Description-There are four specimens in the collection. The preserved rachis of holotype Genus-Palastbalta gen. nov. measures 12.5 cm in length with fine striations. The Type species-Palasthalia indica gen. et sp. nov. pinnules are alternate, at angles of 50' -55', 3.5 cm Generic diagnosis-Imparipinnate sterile frond; long, 8-9 mm broad becoming smaller near the rachis Winged; pinnules narrow-elongate, alternately apical margin, i.e., 1.2 cm long and 4-6 mm broad. arranged; apex obtuse, base broad, auriculate, Apex, wherever preserved, is obtuse to rounded. The constricted basally to a narrow point of attachment, base of the pinnules is broad and characteristically midvein arise at 50' -60', persistent lateral veins auriculate and constricted basally to a narrow point emerge at an acute angle, run parallel for some of attachment. The midvein of the pinnules is distance then dichotOmize thrice, on further distinct, 1-1.5 mm broad, striated, and present branching lower vein dichotOmizes once, middle throughout the pinnules. Lateral veins emerge from and upper veins dichotOmize twice. the midvein at acute angles, run along the midvein Comparison and discussion-In venation for a small distance and after slight arching give off pattern, Palasthalia gen. nov. compares with three veins, i.e., lower, middle and upper. The lower vein divides only once whereas the middle and Dichotomopteris Maithy, Dizeugotheca Archangelsky upper veins divide first inlO two veins and then & Sota, Pecopteris Brongniart and Santhalea Maithy. upper vein, in each case again divides into two. However, all these genera possess smaller pinnules which are attached to the rachis by their broad bases, Genus-Neomarlopterls Maltby 1974 whereas in Palasthalia the base of pinnules is auriculate and are attached to the rachis by a narrow Neomariopteris polymorpha (Feistmantel) Maithy constriction. Narrow constricted bases are known to 1974 occur in pinnules of Neuropteris type of foliage N. hughesii (Zeiller) Maithy 1974 which, however, is distinct in having cordate bases. Remarks-Specimens are very few in number The pinnules of Dunedoonia Holmes 1977 from the and show only fragmentary pinnules haVing Upper Permian beds of New South Wales, Australia similarities with N. polymorpha and N. hughesii show a distinct auriculate base like Palasthalia but it (Maithy, 1974a, pI. 1, figs 1-4; pI. 2, figs 7, 8). is different in having reticulate venation pattern. Genus-Trl%ygta Royle 1839 Palasthalia indica sp. nov. PI. 2, figs 1-4 Trizygia speciosa Royle 1839 Diagnosis-Fronds large, unipinnate; rachis Many authors considered this species to be a Winged, striated; large size narrow-elongate, form similar to Sphenophyllum Koenig 1825 (Walton, pinnules alternately arranged, shorter near apical 1929; Pant & Mehra, 1963) but its trizygoid nature of region; apex obtuse to rounded, base auriculate, leaf arrangement is distinct with the typical northern constricted to a narrow point of attachment; margin sphenophyll, therefore, it is advisable to keep it entire; midvein thick, striated; lateral veins emerge separate until we get its exact affinity supported by from midvein at acute angle and run parallel, its fructification (see Maheshwari, 1968b; Srivastava dichotomize to give three major veins, immediately & Rigby, 1983; Pant, Srivastava & Das, 1985). dichotomizing further, the lower one shOWing once There are only three specimens in the dichotomy, whereas middle and upper one divide collection. They show 3-5 leaf whorls of six leaves, PLATE 2 1. Pa{asthaJia indica gen. et sp. nov., holotype shOWing sterile 3. ShOWing auriculate base of pinnule, photographed under frond, specimen no. BSIP 36600, Nat. size. xylol, x 4. 2. Enlargement of pinnule to show pecopteroid venation 4. Pa{asthaJia indica gen. et sp. nov., specimen other than pattern, x 4. holotype, specimen no. BSIP 36601, Nat. size. If'. CXl N oz ~ f2 286 THE PAlAEOBOTANIST each whorl has three pairs of leaves of different sizes emerge from the base of leaf, arched out at angle of 0 0 characteristic of the species (Maithy, 1978, pI. 1, fig. 20 -30 , run parallel to each other for some distance 1). (0.5-1 cm) and then after 2-3 dichotomies arch out towards the margin. Genus- Eurypbyllum Feistmantel 1879 Comparison and discussion-The type species, The genus was instituted by Feistmantel (1879) Euryphyllum whittianum Feistmantel (1879, pI. 21, for the leaves having median subparallel veins and figs 1, la; Maithy, 1965b, pI. 1, fig. 9) differs in arched, dichotomizing lateral veins with having ovate-spathulate shape, diverging parallel asymmetrical ovate, spathulate shape. Arber (1905) running veins in the apical portion, and frequently merged the genus under Noeggerathiopsis. However, dichotomizing lateral and median veins. Seward and Sahni (1920), Maithy (1965b) and Pant Maithy (1965b) illustrated an incomplete (1982) considered it as a distinct genus. The present specimen (BSIP no. 20451; pI. 1, fig. 10) as E. assemblage contains a large number of typical whittianum. The specimen shows anastomosing of Noeggerathiopsis leaves and it has been observed the veins and thus resembles leaves of that they do not possess the parallel running median Gangamopteris, and not Euryphyllum. veins and arching of lateral veins is also absent. The margin of Noeggerathiopsis leaves is symmetrical but in the leaves of Euryphyllum, one of the margin Genus-Palaeovtttarta Feistmantel 1876 shows curvature in comparison to other, thus, Palaeovittaria kurzii Feistmantel 1876 exemplify asymmetrical nature. Perhaps due to its PI. 3, figs 1-2 doubtful position, the genus is poorly recorded and Such leaves are common in the assemblage of is known by only one species in the Karharbari Raja Colliery. They are elongate spatulate in shape Formation. The present record is the first occurrence with obtuse apex and tapering base. The midrib is of Euryphyllum leaves in the Barakar Formation. present only up to 1/2 or 3/4 of leaf lamina, thick 0-4 mm) near the base, striated, grooved sometimes Euryphyllum elongatum sp. nov. represented by closely spaced 5-6 parallel running PI. 4, fig. 1 strands, evanescent in the apical portion of leaf. Diagnosis-Leaf linear, narrow-oblong, Lateral veins run parallel in the basal part and start asymmetrical in shape, apex obtuse to acute, base forking above the base but never anastomose; after contracted, obtuse; median region occupied by 3-6 forking they diverge from each other and become straight, parallel running strands; lateral veins subparallel. emerge from base, arch towards margin at angle of Comparison and discussion-The present leaves 0 0 20 -30 , dichotomize 2-3 times during their upward resemble the specimens figured by Feistmantel course, 14-18 veins per cm. (1876, pI. 19, figs 3, 3a, 4, 4a) and Pant and Verma Holotype-BSIP Museum no. 36610; Seam no. B (1964b, pI. 16, fig. 3). On the basis of cuticular II, Raja Colliery, Raniganj Coalfield; Barakar features, Pant and Verma (1964b) instituted another Formation, Early Permian. species, P. raniganjensis whose external character is Description-Four specimens are present in the much similar to P. kurzii although they have noticed collection. The complete leaf is 6.6 cm long and 1.9 variation in the concentration of veins and presence cm broad at its widest part. The leaves are linear, of occasional fibres. However, recent investigations narrow-oblong in shape, one side of the margin is on cuticular features of Glossopteris (Maheshwari & curved in comparison to other side, apex is obtuse Tewari, in press) suggest that sometimes cuticular to acute and base is contracted. There are 3-6 features show variation within the same species. straight parallel veins in the median region of leaf. The occurrence of Palaeovittaria in the Barakar These dichotomize once or twice. Lateral veins Formation is interesting because so far they are --. PLATE 3 1. Palaeovittaria kurzii Feistmantel, apical portion of leaf 4. Maheshwariphyllum indicum gen. et sp. nov., counterpart of show{ng evanescent nature of midrib, specimen no. BSIP holotype enlarged to show complete midrib and dichoto 36602, Ca • 1. 5. mizing lateral veins, specimen no. BSIP 36605, x 3. 2. Palaeovittaria kurzii Feistmantel, lower portion of leaf 5. Scale leaf showing gangamopteroid venation pattern, speci shoWing midrib, specimen no. BSIP 36603, x 1.5. men no. BSIP 36606, x 2. 3. Maheshwariphyllum indicum gen. et sp. nov., holotype 6. Samaropsis ganjrensis Maithy, specimen no. BSIP 36607, shoWing complete leaf, specimen no. BSIP 36604, Nat. size. x 2. t- 00 .-----, N .f 288 THE PALAEOBOTANIST known only in the flora of Raniganj Formation (Pant (Surange, 1966, 1973; Maheshwari, 1976; Pant, 1982; & Verma, 1964b). Srivastava 1986, 1991). The presence of Maheshwariphyllum alongwith other glossopterid Genus-MabesbwartpbyUum gen. nov. leaves (see Table 1) apparently fills a gap between Type species-Maheshwanphyllum indicum gen. et the leaves of Rubidgea, Euryphyllum and sp. nov. Palaeovittaria. These four genera represent the non Generic diagnosis-Leaf simple, ovate in shape; reticulate forms of glossopterid. Two former genera apex acute, base cuneate, margin entire; midrib thin, are without midrib whereas Palaeovittaria persistent; secondary veins arise at 40 °-45 0, demonstrates midrib only up to 1/2 or 3/4 of dichotomize frequently, slightly arched out, never lamina; and presence of complete midrib in anastomose. Maheshwariphyllum indicates the development of Compan'son and discussion-Rhabdotaenia midrib through Palaeovittan'a-like leaves. Further Pant 1958 is the only known genus in Glossopteris advancement of midrib feature most likely resulted flora in which dichotomizing secondary veins and into solid midrib forms of Rhabdotaenia·like leaves. complete midrib have been found but in such leaves secondary veins emerge at an angle of 90 ° and run almost parallel to each other whereas in Maheshwariphyllum indicum sp. nov. Maheshwariphyllum gen. nov. the secondary veins PI. 3, figs 3, 4 arise at angle of 40°-45°. Maheshwariphyllum is comparable with Glossopten's leaves in having Specific diagnosis- Leaf narrow ovate with acute persistent midrib but absence of anastomoses in the apex and cuneate base, margin entire; midrib secondary veins distinguishes it with Glossopteris present throughout lamina, thinner towards apical leaves. The leaves of Gangamopteris McCoy are margin, sometimes represented by 3-5 closely distinct in possessing reticulate venation pattern. spaced parallel running strands; secondary veins Leaves of Pa/aeovittaria Feistmantel are similar to emerge from midvein at angle of 40° -45°, frequently Maheshwanphyllum but they possess midrib only up dichotomizing, after slight arching reach up to to 1/2 or 3/4 of leaf lamina. The leaves of margins, never anastomose, veins 15-20 per cm. Euryphyllum Feistmantel and Rubidgea Tate also Holotype-BSIP Museum no. 36604 with show dichotomizing lateral veins but they lack counterpart no. 36605; Seam no. B-Il, Raja Colliery, midrib. Similarly Gondwanophy/lites Srivastava Raniganj Coalfield; Barakar Formation, Early differs in having dissected leaf margin. Permian. Appert (1977, pI. 6, figs 1·6) reported a few Description-There are five specimens in the leaves showing complete midrib and dichotomizing collection. One complete narrow-ovate leaf is lateral veins. He compared them with the Upper preserved as part and counterpart and measures 6.2 Carboniferous leaf genus Lelsleya Lesquereux 1879 cm long and 2.3 broad. Apex is narrow-acute while of northern hemisphere. The leaves are distinct from base is cuneate and tapering. Midrib is 1-2 mm Maheshwariphyllum in having narrow-obovate shape broad, striated, persistent but narrows down towards where lateral veins show few (2-3) dichotomization. apex. Secondary veins arise from the midrib at angle Although, at present, there is no information of 40° -45 0, dichotomize during their course and about the structural details of Maheshwariphyllum show slight arching before reaching the margin of gen. nov. but such leaves with dichotomizing lateral leaves. The density of veins is 15-20 per cm. veins with or without midrib, e.g., Euryphyllum, The genus is named after Dr H. K. Maheshwari, Rubidgea, Palaeovittaria and Rhabdotaenia in the BSIP, Lucknow for his contributions to the Gondwana flora have been assigned to glossopterids knowledge of Glossopteris flora. -+ PLATE 4 1. Euryphy/lum e/ongatum sp. nov., holotype showing asym· no. BSIP 36609, x 1.5. metrical nature of leaf, median parallel running strands and 4. Cordaites sp., almost complete leaf with shrudded apical dichotomizing arched side veins, specimen no. BSIP 36610, margin and alternating thick and thin veins, specimen no. x 2. BSIP 36613, x 1.5. 2. Noeggerathiopsis his/opii Feistmantel, complete leaf showing 5·6. Cordaites sp., part and counterpart of a specimen shoWing spathulate shape, specimen no. BSIP 36608, Nat. size. thicker and thinner veins with fine striations, specimen nos. 3. Noeggerathiopsis his/opii Feistmantel, median portion of a BSIP, 36611, 36612, Nat. size. leaf showing uniform dichotomizing erect veins, specimen SRIVASTAVA-PLANT FOSSIL ASSEMBLAGES FROM BARAKARFORMATION 289 PLATE 4 290 THE PAlAEOBOTANIST Geous- Gangamopterls McCoy 1861 species in having mucronate apex and fibres in between the veins in only middle region. G. fibrosa Gangamopteris cyclopteroides Feistmantel 1879 Maithy (1965d, pI. 4, figs 26-28) differs in possessing Only five incomplete leaf specimens are present obtuse apex and fibres in between the secondary in the collection. The median region of leaves is veins aII over the surface of leaf. occupied by comparatively thick subparallel, Maithy (1965c) instituted the species G. dichotomizing and anastomosing veins. Lateral veins mucronata (PI. 3, figs 17-19) to accommodate the arise at acute angle and form broad, linear, leaves having mucronate apex. Examination of the hexagonal meshes in the median region and specimen indicates that the apex is, in fact, narrower meshes tOwards margin. These leaves are acuminate, and as such the leaves are comparable comparable with Gangamopteris cyclopteroides in all with G. cyclopteroides var. acuminata Feistmamel features (Maithy, 1965a, pI. 1, fig. 2; Srivastava, (1886, pI. 7, figs 4 (?) 5; pI. 8, fig. 5; pI. 11, figs 4, 7). 1977a, pI. 1, fig. 17). G. rajaensis sp. nov. is the only species which shows mucronate apex. Gangamopteris rajaensis sp. nov. PI. 5, figs 1, 2 Gangamopteris sp. PI. 5, fig. 3 Diagnosis-Leaf simple, oblanceolate to narrow obovate in shape; apex mucronate; base broadly Description-Single incomplete leaf specimen contracted; margin entire; 4-6 parallel running, is present in the collection, which measures 7.5 cm dichotomizing veins present in the median region, in length and 2.6 cm in breadth at its widest part. show fibres in between veins, lateral veins arched, The apex, base and margin of the leaf are not after anastomoses and dichotomization form broad preserved. Median sub-parallel veins are absent and hexagonal meshes in centre and narrow, elongate instead 4-5 veins emerge from lower part and hexagonal meshes towards margin, 10-14 veins per immediately start dichotomizing and anastOmosing cm. to form 5-8 mm long and 0.5-1 mm broad narrow, Holotype-BSIP Specimen no. 36620; Seam no. elongate, hexagonal meshes. The veins are B-I1, Raja Colliery, Raniganj Coalfield; Barakar thickened near its emergence. The denSity of veins is Formation, Early Permian. 10-18 per cm. Description-There are five complete to Comparison and discussion-In the absence of incomplete leaf specimens in the collection. The midrib and presence of reticulate venation pattern, complete leaf measures 4.7 cm in length and 2.6 cm the leaf is referable to Gangamopteris. All the in width at its maximum, i.e., near the apical margin species show median sub-parallel veins except G. of leaf. Apex is broad, a small protruberance makes it obliqua McCoy but it is distinct in having flexuous mucronate; base is broadly contracted. The median nature of veins. region is occupied by 4-6 parallel running veins, dichotOmizing frequently during their upward Geous- Gondwanopbyllttes Srivastava 1987 course and form 2-3 mm long and 0.5-1 mm broad, Gondwanophyllites dissectus Srivastava 1987 linear hexagonal meshes, fibres like structures are present in between the veins. Lateral veins arise at There are five incomplete leaves shoWing acute angle and form 2-3.5 mm long and 0.8-1.5 mm dissected margin and reticulate venation pattern, broad, hexagonal meshes in the centre and 1-1.5 mm which are comparable with G. dissectus (Srivastava, long and 0.5 mm broad meshes towards margin. The 1987; figs 2-3) from Sangramgarh open cast project. density of veins is 10-14 per cm. Geous- Glossopteris Broognian 1822 Comparison and discussion- Gangamopteris rajaensis sp. nov. is distinct from all the known The leaves of Glossopteris are the most dominant --+ PLATE 5 1. Gangamopteris rajaensis sp. nov., holotype shoWing 36622, x 2. mucronate leaf apex, specimen no. BSIP 36620, x 2. 4. Glossopteris communis Feistmantel, specimen no. BSIP 2. Gangamopteris rajaensis sp. nov., another complete leaf 36624, Nat. size. shoWing shape and venation pattern, specimen no. BSIP 5. Glossopteris indica Schimper, specimen no. BSIP 36625, Nat. 36621, x 1.5. size. 3. Gangamopteris sp., incomplete leaf showing frequently 6,7. Scale leaves shOWing parallel interconnecting veins and dichotomizing and anastomosing veins, specimen no. BSIP convexity near base, specimen no. BSIP 36626, x 1.5. z 0 ~ i:2 0.... ~ ~ co :::a 0 0::.... (j) w () l/"\ :s ~ f-l ~ 00( w (j) ...:l ~ ~ -l Vi (j) ....0 ~ 0.. I ~ ~ ~ 0:: (j) 292 THE PALAEOBOTANIST constituents of the assemblage and represent in all the assemblages, 21 localities (see Table 1), Glossopteris angustifolia Brongniart 1828, G. The following species have been recorded in angusta Pant & Gupta 1971, G, browniana Table I-Distribution of fossil genera and species in different collieries, open cast projects and nala cuttings Localities with Seam number ~ ,-.. ,-.. '-'> "...., E ~ Co ;; E ~ ,~ ;; ,-.. ..c. .... ,-.. >'-' '-' Taxa = .... :J ,-.. '-' = ..c. 0 o ;; ~ E'" z'" E .... = '"0<) '" > ;:l '-' 0<) :J ~ '0 ..c. '" 5 '-' v -8 .... = E c t;j :2 ;; c z'" :J '3 0- = ..c. = ..c. E'" c:e'" 0 0- '" ~ c :J :;'" <;; '" '" '~ 0- '0 <;; E E '" '"c ~ E So :J 'a' '" :J "0 ..c. 0- ~ .~ Brongniart 1828, G. barakarensis Kulkarni 1971, G. Feistmantel; fertile structure triangular, ovate in communis Feistmantel 1879, G. churiensis Srivastava shape; apex acute; base broadly obtuse; margin 1977, G. damudica Feistmantel 1879, G. emarginata entire; protective bract bears fine veins emerging Maheshwari & Prakash 1965, G. giridihensis Pant & from base, median veins slightly thickened,and run Gupta, G. gondwanensis Pant & Gupta 1971, G. parallel, side veins thin, arched, midrib absent, all indica Schimper 1869, G. intermittens Feistmantel veins anastOmose and dichotOmise to form shon to 1881, G. karharbariensisChandra & Surange 1979, G. medium size hexagonal meshes; receptacle covered karanpurensis Kulkarni 1971, G. nimishea Chandra with protective bract, convex, lense-shaped, contains & Surange 1979, G. pandurata Pant & Gupta 1971, G. many small seeds or ovules; Wing-like rim shOWing raniganjensis Chandra & Surange 1979, G. spatulata fine striations present all around receptacle. Pant & Singh 1971, G. stenoneura Feistmantel 1881, Holotype-BSIP Museum no. 36614; Seam no. B G. stricta Bunbury 1861, G. tenuifolia Pant & Gupta rv, Gourandih Colliery, Raniganj Coalfield; Barakar 1968, G. tenuinerois Pant & Gupta 1971, G. Formation, Early Permian. taenioides Feistmantel 1882, G. vulgaris Pant & Description- There are two similar type of leaf Gupta 1971, G. varia Pant & Gupta 1968, G. zeilleri specimens in the collection which show fertile Pant & Gupta 1968. structure attached to the midribs. The leaves are Morphological analysis of Glossopteris species incomplete in which apex is nOt preserved and the indicates that in most of the leaves midrib is base is petiolate in one of the leaves. The venation represented by straight parallel running, closely comprises broad meshes, lying almost at right angles spaced veins. In some cases, e.g., G. stenoneura, G. to the midrib. The long drawn petiole, thick midrib pandurata, G. intermittens and G. churiensis 3-6 shOWing grooves and venation panern of the leaves veins emerge from the base and run parallel to each are comparable with Glossopteris longicaulis other and during upward course the side veins arch Feistmantel (Chandra & Surange, 1979). out to form secondary veins and ultimately one or The fertile structure shows different place of two veins reach the apical margin of leaf (PI. 8, fig. anachment with leaves in two specimens. In one 6). In G. communis, G. angusta, G. zeillen', G. specimen, it is attached in middle ponion whereas karharbariensis, G. vulgaris and G. varia, the midrib in other the lower half of leaf bears such structure. is represented by parallel running dichotOmizing The fructification is attached to the midrib by a stalk, veins bur they never show anastomosis (PI. 5, fig. 4). measuring 1-1.3 cm long and 1-2 mm broad. The In other cases, there are distinct to faint impressions stalk is lying slightly away from the midrib and of striation over the surface of midrib. Incidentally, appressed to the midrib indicating adnate position. such forms make confusion with the leaves of The protective bract and seed-bearing Gangamopteris and sometimes it becomes difficult receptacle are superimposed and well to identify the midrib and non-midrib forms on distinguishable, though they have not been found external morphological character. Pant and Singh preserved separately. Sometimes, the weathered (1971) have suggested some distinction on the basis condition of protective bract exposes the seed of cuticular features of midrib and mesh areas. The bearing receptacle (PI. 6, fig. 3). The complete present investigations of Glossopteris and structure (excluding stalk) measures 1.8-2.0 cm long Gangamopteris leaves suggest that in Glossopteris, and 1-1.3 cm broad, ovate in shape and shows acute the median parallel running strands, whether they rarely acuminate apex and broad obtuse base. The diverge out or dichotomise or converge at the apical bract is distinctly veined. The veins emerge from the margin, never show anastOmoses, whereas in base, 3-6 median veins run parallel to each other and Gangamopteris median veins frequently side veins arch out towards the margin. All the veins dichotomize, anastOmose and form meshes. Thus, dichotomize and anastOmose to form 0.5-1 mm long the character of median parallel running strands is and 0.2-0.5 mm broad hexagonal to polygonal vital for taxonomic deliberation of Glossopteris and meshes. The midrib is absent. The structure and Gangamopteris leaves. venation pattern are similar with the detached scale leaves of glossopterid (Chandra & Surange, 1977a, Genus-Scutum Plumstead 1952 b). Seed-bearing receptacle is found beneath the protective bract, convex, lense-shaped and shows 1 Scutum barakarensis sp. nov. 1.5 mm broad, finely striated rim all round. Seeds or PI. 6, figs 1-3 ovules are less than 0.3 mm in diameter and studded Diagnosis-Fructification anached to midrib in in the central part of receptacle. Their exact middle or lower half of lamina with small adnate arrangement and structural details are not preserved. stalk, leaf resembling Glossopteris longicaulis Comparison and discussion-Surange and 294 THE PALAEOBOTANIST Chandra (1974) described a species, Scutum sahnii entire. The median region is occupied by 5-6 parallel attached to the petiole of a leaf of Glossopteris running veins, side veins also run straight near itS longicaulis Feistmantel 1880. Later, while revising emergence, but soon they arch out at an angle of the Indian species of Glossopteris, they transferred it 30· -40· and finally reach the margin of leaf. The to G. maculata Pant & Singh 1971 (see Chandra & veins frequently dichotomize and anastOmose to Surange, 1979, p. 42). The present leaves having form 1-2 mm long and 0.5-0.75 mm broad, hexagonal fructification are quite distinct from G. maculata and meshes throughout lamina. compare closely with G. longicaulis. Apart from Only one side of leaf bears three, 4-6 mm long attached leaf, S. sahnii also differs from S. stalk which emerge from the base of leaf. Two stalks barakarensis sp. nov. in having round to oval-shaped are very close to near their emergence and seem to fruiting body, attached with the petiole of leaf and emerge from a common point, however, the third its protective bract is also distinguishable in stalk lies in lower level and found to be attached at a possessing midrib. distance of 1 mm. Stalks are 1 mm broad and show Plumstead (1952, 1958) described a number of fine striations over the surface. The tip of each stalk species of Scutum attached to different species of bears a flat disc or saucer-shaped seed-bearing Glossopteris. Since all the species, except one, have organ. The diameter of seed-bearing organ is 5-7 been found to be attached with the species of mm. It has four distinct lobes with only one seed in Glossopteris other than G longicau.'is, it is better to each. The convex and concave nature of each lobe in consider them separate than S. barakarensis sp. nov. part and counterpart further confirms the presence which is found attached with G. longicaulis of one seed. The seeds are almost circular in outline Feistmantel 1880. and measure 2-3 mm in diameter. Their surface is finely striated but other structural details are not Genus-Partba Surange & Chandra 1973 available. Partha raniganjensis sp_ nov. Comparison and discussion-The present PI. 7, figs 1-4 specimens resemble Partha Surange & Chandra 1973 Diagnosis-Fertile leaf oblong, ovate in shape, in having only one row of fertile structure. Surange apex obtuse, base narrowly contracted; veins emerge and Chandra (1973) interpreted the fructification from base, median region occupied by parallel having two to four separate cupules attached at the running interconnecting veins, side veins run almost apical end of each stalk (see text-figure 3 ofSurange parallel near base, after some distance arch out at & Chandra, 1973, p. 358). However, while describing angle of 30·-40·, all veins dichotOmize and the genus, they also enVisaged the seed-bearing anastomose to form narrow hexagonal meshes; only organ as a peltate disc containing four large seeds on on one side of leaf 3 stalks emerge in a row near the underside of each fertile organ. The base of leaf, 2 stalks found to be very close near their organizational structure of fertile organs in present emergence, each stalk terminally bears a flat disc specimens favours such interpretation. shaped seed-bearing organ shOWing four chambers The genus Partha is known by only tw<) species, with one seed in each_ P. indica CSurange & Maheshwari) Surange & Holotype-BSIP Museum no. 36617 with Chandra 1973 and P. spathulata Surange & Chandra counterpart no. 36618; Seam no. B-N, Gopinathpur 1973. P. raniganjensis sp. nov. essentially differs Colliery, Raniganj Coalfield; Barakar Formation, from both the species in having different Early ·Permian. organizational pattern of seed-bearing organ. The Description-There are four specimens in the earlier species possess four separate seed-bearing collection. The holorype represents the part and cupules having attached to a common pOint on each counterpart. The fertile structure is found attached stalk, whereas the present species shows a disc with scale leaf. The leaf is 2.8 cm long and 1.3 cm shaped fertile organ with four seed-bearing wide at its maximum, i.e., near the apical margin, chambers. The fertile leaves of P. indica and P. apex is obtuse and base is contracted. The margin is spathulata are spathulate in shape and bear petiolate -+ PLATE 6 1. Scutum barakarensis sp. nov., holotype showing rwo leaves 3. Single leaf shOWing fertile structure, x 2. with attached fructification, specimen no. BSIP 36614, Nat. 4. Glossopteris cburiensis Srivastava, specimen no. BSIP 36616, size. Nat. size. 2. Enlargement of specimen in figure 1 to show allachment of 5. Glossopteris angustijo/ia Brongniart, specimen no. BSIP. fertile structure with midrib, x 2. 36615, Nat. size. z 0 ~ 0 C-L. ~ o:l ::E 0 0::: C-L. (/) W () \0 :5 ~ ~ w S (/) ~ ~ ....J Vi (/) 0 C-L. § 0.- I ~ ~ ~ 0::: (/) 296 THE PAlAEOBOTANIST nature but in P. raniganjensis, the fertile leaf is identify them on external morphological feature. obtuse in shape and do not show the petiolate The presence of interstitial veins or fibres is an condition. important character of Cordaites leaves (Grand Eury, & & Glossopterid scale leaves 1877; Harms Leisman, 1961; Pant Verma, 1964a) and invariably all the species show this character. PI. 3, fig. 5; PI. 5, figs 6, 7 But such feature is absent in the leaves of Scale leaves of many different kinds in detached Noeggerathiopsis. In one of the cuticular species, N. condition are present in the collection. Similar fibrosa Pant & Verma 1964a, occasional fibres in scales occur commonly in the Permian Gondwana berween veins are present. flora (Arber, 1905; Walkom, 1922; Surange & Noeggerathiopsis hislopii (Bunbury) Feistmantel 1879 Maheshwari, 1970; Chandra & Surange, 1977a, b; PI. 4, figs 2, 3 Srivastava, 1979). They have usually been attributed to male and female glossopterid fructifications. Descrzption- The leaves in the collection vary The scale leaves vary in size and shape. in their shape. They are spathulate, ovate, lanceolate Rhomboidal scales compare closely with the bract of to linear-lanceolate in shape. Their apex is obtuse Eretmonia DuToit and Glossotheca Surange & and base narrow, tapering and sometimes cuneate. Maheshwari 1970, others with spathulate or ovate Margin of the leaves is entire. The veins arise from shape resemble the fructifications-Lidgettonia the base of leaf and run parallel for some distance Thomas 1958 and Partha Surange & Chandra 1973; then bifurcate frequently during upward course, side more linear scales sometime resemble Glossopteris veins show divergence towards the leaf margin. Venation pattern and shape of the leaves are and Gangamopteris leaves. comparable with N. hislopii described by Feistmantel Characteristically some large and medium size (1879, pI. 19, figs 2-6) and Maithy (1965b, pI. 1, figs scale leaves ranging in size from 2 to 7 em long and 1, 2). 1 to 2 em broad have been found in large quantity in Discussion-Although leaves of Noeggera the assemblage of Lakhimata Colliery (PI. 5, figs 6, thiopsis hislopii were first recorded from the upper 7). Such leaves show convexity and concavity near most strata of Indian Lower Gondwana, i.e., Kamthi the base and indicate the possible presence of seeds. Formation, but later discoveries (Feistmantel, 1876, They possess parallel running interconnecting veins. 1879, 1881; Seward & Sahni, 1920; Saksena, 1963; Such leaves have earlier been 'observed by Surange Lele & Maithy, 1964; Pant & Verma, 1964a; Maithy, and Maheshwari (1970) with seed attached near the 1965b; Srivastava, 1977a) indicate their abundance base of the scale. Although present specimens do in the lower horizon, i.e., Karharbari Formation. not show the presence of seed but their nature External morphological study of all the known represents similar type of scales. records of Noeggerathiopsis in the Indian Lower Genus-Noeggeratbiopsis Feistmantel 1879 Gondwana flora suggests that they belong to only one species, N. hislopii (Bunbury) Feistmantel 1879. The present investigation indicates that the The species instituted on cuticular features also leaves of Cordaites and Noeggerathiopsis are show similar external morphological character (Pant distinguishable from each other on the basis of & Verma, 1964a; Lele & Maithy, 1964; Bajpai, 1990). external morphological features leaving aside their N. hislopii is not common in the Barakar and variable shapes. The leaves of Noeggerathiopsis show Raniganj formations. Maheshwari and Prakash (1965) erect, simple dichotomizing veins of uniform and Bajpai (1990) have reported N. hislopii from thickness throughout the lamina (see PI. 4, figs 2,3), Rajmahal and Deogarh coalfields. whereas the leaves of Cordaites possess thick, parallel veins and in berween these veins, there are Genus- Cordaites Unger 1850 thin dichotomizing parallel interstitial fibres/veins Cordaites sp. (see PI. 4, figs 4-6). Fortunately, present assemblages contain both the types of leaf and it is possible to PI. 4, figs 4-6 -+ PLATE 7 1. Partba raniganjensis sp. nov., holorype showing fertile leaf 3. Holorype in another focus to show details of seed-bearing and one row of stalked disc·shaped four chambered seed organs, x 4. bearing organs, specimen no. BSIP 36617, x 4. 4. Partba raniganjensis sp. nov., another specimen shoWing 2. Counterpart of holorype, specimen no. BSIP 36618, x 4. only one seed-bearing organ, specimen no. BSIP 36619, x 2. z o ~ o t..t.. 298 THE PAlAEOBOTANIST Description-There are six complete to records of sterile remains of Phy//otheca, incomplete leaf specimens in the collection. They Schizoneura and Sphenophy//um. Earlier, gondwanan are characteristic in having thick parallel running sphenophylls were known by only Trizygia speciosa veins and interstitial fibres/veins in between thicker (Maheshwari, 1968) showing trizygoid leaf pattern veins. but rece n t di scovery of Sphenophy//u m The leaves are 7 to 12.5 em long and their gondwanensis Singh, Srivastava & Maheshwari 1987, maximum width ranges from 2.5 to 5.5 em. They a closer representative of northern sphenophylls, show narrow-obovate shape where the apex is showing dentate apical margin and dimorphism of broadly obtuse. In most of the cases, the apical leaves like S. thonii signifies that two types of margin is shredded. Base is narrowly contracted and sphenophylls occur in the Indian Lower Gondwana margin is entire. The leaves show two distinct types flora. The records of Noeggerathiopsis and Cordaites of venation pattern. One type possesses 7-8 thick, in Glossopteris flora suggest that two types of straight, parallel running, unforked simple ribs cordaitalean leaf forms co-existed in the Gondwana emerging from the base of leaf, in between these flora. However, their exact affinity can not be ribs, there are 2-4 finer dichotomizing parallel ascertained until the discovery of fertile structures in running veins. There are 5 thicker and 15 finer veins association with such leaves. per em. Another type contains 10-12 thick parallel running veins, whose surfaces are grooved and striated. The frequently dichotomizing finer veins Genus- Go ndwa nopby ton Malthy 1974 running along the thicker veins are present in Gondwanophyton indicum Maithy 1974 between. The denSity of veins is 3 thick and 18 thin veins per em. There are only three small fragments of leaves Comparison and discussion-The leaves in from Palasthali area. The leaves are fan-shaped with discussion at first hand show their resemblance with broad rounded apex and frequently dichotomizing the commonly known Gondwana forms, veins run parallel to each other. The specimens Noeggerathiopsis, but distinct presence of alternating resemble G. indicum Maithy (1974b, pI. 1, fig. 1; pI. thick and thinner veins clearly distinguish them from 2, figs 6, 7). such leaves. In this character, they resemble typical Cordaites leaf of northern hemisphere (Stopes, 1903; Dispersed seeds Reed & Sandoe, 1951; Harms & Leisman, 1961; Pant The collection includes a number of dispersed & Verma, 1964a). The specific comparison of present seeds which belong to the follOWing two types. specimens has not been taken much into consideration because at this stage the occurrence of Cordaicatpus zei//eri Maithy 1965 Cordiates leaf alongwith Noeggerathiopsis leaf in the Gondwana flora of India is much more interesting Seeds mostly pear-shaped with cordate base rather than its specific determination. and rounded apex. A narrow border surrounds the Lacey, van Dijk and Gordon Gray (1975) figured striated sclerotesta. a specimen of N. his/opii (Specimen no. N.M. 1781) from South Africa to show finer veins in between Samaropsis ganjrensis Maithy 1965 thicker veins. It indicates that there are leaves of this PI. 3, fig. 6 kind in the Glossopteris flora but they have generally been overlooked because of their general Seeds oval to subcircular in shape, sclerotesta resemblance with Noeggerathiopsl:S type of leaf. convex to oval with bluntly rounded apex. The The presence of morphologically similar sarcotesta thin, surrounds the sclerotesta except at northern hemispheric forms in the Gondwana flora the apical end where it is notched into a V-shaped is not unusual, notably amongst them are the sinus. The ends of sarcotesta are rounded. - PLATE 8 1. G{ossopteris ranfganjensis Chandra & Surange, specimen 4. Glossopteris taeniodes Feistmantel, specimen no. BSIP no. BSIP 36627, Nat. size. 36630, Nat. size. 2. Glossopteris nfmishea Chandra & Surange, specimen no. S. Glossopteris spatulata Pant & Singh, specimen no. BSI? BSI? 36628, Nat. size. 36631, Nat. size. 3. Glossopterfs strfeta Bunbury, specimen no. BSIP 36629, Nat. 6. Glossopteris stenoneura Feistmantel, specimen no. BSIP size. 36632, Nat. size. z o ~ o '"'"' ·'·:··~i*· , ~~. , .~ . r ) .... 300 THE PAlAEOBOTANIST FLORISTIC COMPARISON Maheshwari, 1970) and the presence of Scutum and Partha in present assemblage signify the existence Floristic distribution of each genera and species of simple ovulate and advanced capitulum nature of in different collieries, open cast projects and nala fertile structure which resembles glossopterid cuttings has been shown in Table 1, which suggests fructifications of the Raniganj Formation. twO floral zones in the Barakar Formation of The flora of upper seams (nos. V-VII) has been Raniganj Coalfield. The assemblages of Chapapur, recovered from ]unkundar, Amdih, West Victoria, Bajna, Tara, Palasthali, Dalmia, Gaurandih, Pusai Nala, Lakhimata, Rajpura, Shampur, Shampur Sangramgarh, Pusai Nala, Nirsa Khas, Khudia and Nala and New Bagma areas and it represents the later Gopinathpur areas belong to lower seams (nos. II stage of the Barakar flora. The assemblages are rv) and represent the early floral zone. The species mostly represented by the species of Glossopteris; of Phyl/otheca, Giridia, Trizygia, Lelstotheca, other elements like Neomariopteris, Phyllotheca, Neomariopteris, Palasthalia, Euryphyllum, Lelstotheca are poor in number. The representatives Gangamopteris, Glossopteris, Palaeovittaria, of Karharbari flora are entirely absent in the flora. Gondwanophyl/ites, Maheshwariphyl/um, Scutum, The presence of significant proportion of scale Partha, Noeggerathiopsis, Cordaites, Gondwano leaves shOWing affinity with Eretmonia type of phyton, Cordaicarpus and Samaropsis are recorded fructification in Lakhimata and Rajpura assemblages from the lower seams. Amongst them, Ganga indicates the possible existence of glossopteridalean mopteris-Noeggerathiopsis·Glossopteris complex fructifications in the flora. makes the dominant composition of the flora. Glossopteris dominant flora of upper seams is Similar type of association has been found to be comparable with the flora of Barakar Formation from characteristic of Karharbari flora (Srivastava, 1977a; Rajmahal (Maheshwari & Prakash, 1965), South Bajpai, 1990). However, Shah, Singh and Sastry Karanpura (Kulkarni, 1971) and Auranga Coalfield (1971) have observed Gondwanidium (Srivastava, 1977b). The available species, viz., G. (Botrychiopsis)-Buriadia zone for Karharbari flora indica, G. damudica, G. barakarensis, G. but floral distribution indicates that both these karanpurensis, G. nimishea, G. stenoneura, G. genera occur only in the Giridih Coalfield, while in intermittens, G. churiensis and G. raniganjensis in other areas their records are either poor or doubtful. the present assemblage also correlate with the Thus as such they can not be considered as the Glossopteris species of Barakar Formation (Chandra index fossils (Bajpai, 1990). The species of & Surange, 1979). Glossopteris, viZ., G. communis, G. zeillen', G. longicaulis, G. karharbariensis, G. giridihensis, G. FLORISTIC EVOLUTION AND taeniodes, G. pandurata and G. angusta also suggest PALAEOCLIMATE the floral affiliation with Karharbari flora (Chandra & Surange, 1979). The occurrence of Karharbari The investigations of the plant fossil components in the lower seams suggests assemblages of Barakar Formation indicate a continuation underlying flora in the Lower of significant change in the flora of lower and upper Barakar Formation as recently reported in the seams in the Raniganj Coalfield. The flora of lower adjoining Deogarh Coalfield (Bajpai, 1990). seams is much more varied and its representatives, Phyllotheca, Giridia, Neomariopteris, viz., Euryphyllum, Palaeovittaria, Maheshwariphyl Euryphyllum, Cordaicarpus and Samaropsis are lum, Cordaites and Noeggerathiopsis (irrespective of common in the flora of Karharbari Formation their plant groups) show the absence of reticulate (Maithy, 1969). The presence of Lelstotheca, venation pattern in their foliage. The non-existence Trizygia, Gondwanophyllites, Maheshwariphyllum of midrib in Euryphyllum, presence of midrib only and Gondwanophyton demonstrates a marked up to 1/2 or 2/3 of leaf lamina in Palaeovittaria and change in the Barakar flora because of their absence existence of complete midrib in Maheshwariphyllum in the Karharbari flora. demonstrate a gradual emergence of midrib Quantitatively few representations of Scutum, character in non-reticulate leaves. Similarly, the Partha and leaves of Palaeovittaria are interesting occurrence of Ga ngamopteris, a non-midrib form, since they have earlier been reported only in the leaves with reticulation in the lower seams and floras of Raniganj and Kamthi formations. The older presence of Glossopteris leaves showing complete records of glossopterid fructifications in the Lower midrib in the flora of upper seams suggest the Gondwana flora of India, e.g., Ottokaria from emergence of midrib through the species of Karharbari beds (Zeiller, 1902), Eretmonia from Gangamopteris to the species of Glossopteris in Barakar of South Karanpura Coalfield (Surange & reticulate leaves. SRIVASTAVA-PLANT FOSSIL ASSEMBLAGES FROM BARAKAR FORMATION 301 As discussed earlier, the continuation of tute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow. Karharbari plant fossils in the early phase of Barakar Feistmantel, O. 1876. On some fossil plants from the Damuda Formation and their habitual stay away in the flora of Series of the Raniganj Coalfield collected by Mr. J. Wood Mason. j. Asiat. Soc. Bengal 4S : 329-380. Upper Barakar suggests a shift in the climatic set up. Feistmantel, O. 1879. The fossil flora of the Lower Gondwanas. After the glaciation phase, the Gondwana climate The flora of the Talchir Karharbari beds. Mem. geol. Surv. started getting warmer due to frost free conditions India Palaeont. indica, ser. 12, 3 (1) : 1·64. and sufficient rainfall resulted into warm moist Feistmantel, O. 1881. The fossil flora of the Gondwana System II. The flora of the Damuda and Panchet divisions. Mem. geol. climatic condition during Karharbari. The floral Surv. India Palaeont. indica ser. 12, 3 (3) : 78-149. affinity of Lower Barakar seams with that of the Feistmantel, O. 1886. The fossil flora of the Gondwana System· IV. Karharbari flora suggests the existence of similar The fossil flora of some of the coalfields in western Bengal. climatic conditions in the early phase of Barakar. Mem. geol. Surv. India Palaeont. indica 4 (2) : 1-66. Successive time span in the Upper Barakar created Gee, E. R. 1932. The geology and coal resources of the Raniganj much more warmer and drier conditions. This Coalfield. Mem. geol. Surv. India 61 (1): 1-342. Grand'Eury, E. F. 1877. Flore carbonifere du Department de la climatic change did not favour the continuation of Loire et du centre de la France. Mem. Acad. Sci. Inst. France Karharbari plants and in time they disappeared from 24 : 208- 220. the floral scene of Upper Barakar Formation Harms, V. L. & Leisman, G. A. 1961. The anatomy and morphology (Maheshwari et aI., 1991). of certain Cordaites leaves. j. Palaeont. 35 : 1041-1064. The appearance of Lelstotheca, Trizygia, Holmes, W. B. K. 1977. A pinnate leaf with reticulate venation Gondwa nophylli tes, Maheshwariphyllu m, from the Permian of New South Wales. Proc. Lin. Soc. NS. W. Palaeovittaria and Gondwanophyton in the Barakar 102 : 52-57. Koenig, G. 1825. leones fossilium sectiles, London. flora suggests a shift in climatic conditions. During Kulkarni, Shaila 1971. Glossopteris and Gangamopteris species Upper Barakar the uniform composition of flora from south Karanpura Coalfield. Palaeobotanist 18 : 297·304. indicates more or less stable climatic condition and Lacey, W. S., van Dijk, D. E. & Gordon-Gray, K. D. 1975. Fossil the dominance of medium-sized Glossopteris leaves plants from the Upper Permian in the Mooi River District of with narrow mesh supports the existence of warm Natal, South Africa. Ann. Natal. Mus. 22 : 349-420. Lele, K. M. & Maithy, P. K. 1964. Studies in the Glossopteris flora temperate condition. of India-IS. Revision of the epidermal structure of Noegge· rathiopsis. Palaeobotanist 12 : 7-17. 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