14-10.:34 Srivastava-Studies in Glossopteris Flora of India- 42 51

STUDIES IN THE GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA• 42. BARAKAR PLANT MEGAFOSSILS AND MIOSPORES FROM AURANGA COALFIELD, BIHAR

A. K. SRIVASTAVA Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany. Lucknow-226007

ABSTRACT spora, Callumispora, Hennellysporites, V errucosisporites, Lophotriletes, Brevitrihtes, The paper deals with the morphological details of eleven species of Glossopteris, viz., G. indica, H orriditrilctes, Lacinitn'letes, I ndospora, G. barakarensis, G. leptoneura, G. juchsii, G. cons• Cyclobaculisporites, Gondisporites, I ndotrira• picua, G. sp. d. G. ampla, G. pandurata, G. sp. d. dites, Latosporites, ThY:llospora, Parasaccites, G. intermittens, (;. churiensis sp. nov., G. communis, G. browniana and Vertebraria indica. Vir kkipollenites, Potonieisporites, Striomono• The mioflora '(31 genera and 53 species) is saccite.', Densipollenites, Barakarites, C$mea• dominated by striate disaccate pollen grains and tisporites, P latysaccus, Vestigisporites, trilete spores. A new non striate disaccate genus L ueckisporites, Schizopollis, V ittatina, Aurangapollenites is instituted for the grains having Striatites, Lahirites, 5triatopodocarpites, pitcher shaped saccus arrangement. F aunipollenites, DireticuI01:dispora, Vesica• spora, 5ulcatisporites, Guttulapollenites, INTRODUCTION Fusacolpites, Ginkgocycadophytus, Ibisporites, Tiwariasporis, Decussatisporites, Striasulcites M acu!atasporites, Balmeella, Quadrisporites, Peltacystia and Leiosphaeridia. assemblagesBarakar frommega-the andAurangamiofloralCoal• THEfield have earlier been reported by The present investigation was carried Feistmantel (1881a, b, 1882, 1886), Bhatta• out to study in detail the morphological charyya (1959), Bhattacharyya (1963), and systematic description of the mega• Maithy (1971), and Srivastava and Anand• and miofloras of the Barakar Stage of Prakash (1973). Auranga Coalfield. Maithy (1971) has given the following For the study of Glossopteris species a revised list of the megafossil,> from the typical example has been sorted out from Barakar Stage of the Aurang;j, Coalfield: the original a'lthor's collection. All the Trizygia speciosa (Royle) McClelland figured recJrds have been examined and Barakaria dichotoma Seward & Sahni their placement has been discussed with Equisetalean stems reference to holotype or typical example. Sphenopteris polymorpha Feistmantel Idealized diagrams have been given to Vertebraria indica Royle eluci~ate the morphological concept of the Glossopteris angustifolia Brongniart specIes. G. linearis Mc Coy G. communis Feistmantel MATERIAL G. indica Schimper G. damudica Feistmantel A. The megafossils have been found a~ G. browniana Brongniart impressions on thinly laminated white to G. tortuosa Zeiller grey fi"ec1ay, collected from a section ex• G. retifera Feistmantel posed in a quarry about 2 km west-south Rhabdotaenia danaeoides (Royle) Pant of west bank of Alranga River which is Scale leaves about 2 km north-west of Churia Village Pseudoctenis balli (Feistmantel) Seward (see in Map; Srivastava, 1977). The following miospore genera have earlier B. The palynological assemblages have been recorded from the A1tranga Coalfield, been reC0vered from the section exposed Bihar (Bhattacharyya, 1959; Maithy, 1971; in north-east bank of Sukri River (Map-I): Srivastava & Anand-Prakash, 1973): Site-I. About 150 metres west of Gurtur Punctatisporites, Microbaculispora, APicu• Village. Samples are sandy coaly shale. latisporis, Laevigatisporites, Leiotriletes, Site-2. About 166 metres north of Site l. Cyclogr anisporites, Cristaiis1J01',ites, Calamo- Samples are coaly with less sand. 50 14-10.:34 SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA- 42 51

• BALU

• SABANU N 0 2 4 o I • 3 tl KM • BAN HARDI S UDAIPURA

MAP 1 - Showing the palynological sample sites (Pi to P3).

Site-3. About 150 metres further north few, 1·5-2·5 mm long, 0·8 mm broad, near of Site-2. Samples are grey to dark brown the midrib, linear, narrow, 2-5 mm long, micaceous shale. 0·5-0·7 mm broad in rest of the lamina; All figured specimens and type slides are veins 12-14 per em near the midrib and preserved at the Museum, Birbal Sahni 15-18 per em near the margin. Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow. Description - There are twenty incom• plete leaf impressions in the collection. The figured leaf is 8·2 em long, 3·2 em broad DESCRIPTION at its widest part. The shape was pro• bably lanceolate. The tip of apex and base 1. MEGAFOSSILS are not preserved, margin is entire. The midrib distinct, 1·5 to 2·5 mm broad Genus - Glossopteris (Brongniart) Sternberg, 1825 near the basal portion and 1 to 1·5 mm near the apical region. The secondary veins arise at an angle of 45°. They dichotomize and anastomose to form few, broad, Glossopteris indica Schimper, 1869 elongate, polygonal meshes near the midrib PI. 1, figs. L 2; Text-fig. iA-B and narrow elongate, linear, hexagonal meshes near the margin. The meshes are Typical example from niarBrongt, 1828, 1·5to 2·5 mm long and 0·8 to 1·0 mm broad pI. 62, fig. 2: Leaf preserved in two near the midrib and 3 to 4 mm long and pieces; one shows the upper half 7·5 em 0·3 to 0·5 mm broad near the margin. The long, 4·8 em broad; other piece shows density of veins is 6 to 18 per em near the lower half 9·9 em long, 4 em broad; midrib and 15 to 26 per em near the midrib 6 mm broad near the basal pJrtion, margin. 1·5-2·5 mm near apical region; secondary Comparison - The present specimens in veins arise at 45°; meshes broad, polygonal, their venation pattern fairly resemble the 52 THE PALAEOBOTANIST

TEXT-FIG. 1 - A. Glossopteris indica Schimper, enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf re• presented on PI. 1, fig. 1 x 3. B. Idealised diagram of Glossopteris indica. photograph of the typical specimen described rest of the leaf, whereas in G. communis by Brongniart (1828, pI. 62, fig. 2) which the secondary veins are arched and the is briefly described in the begining and the meshes are narrow, elongate throughout leaves described by Maheshwari and Prakash the lamina. Hence, both the species seem (1965, pI. 2, fig. 15) and Kulkarni (1971, to be distinct. The cuticular evidences pI. 1, fig. 4). also indicate the distinction of two species Discussion - Zeiller (1896) and Arber (Zeiller, 1896; Srivastava, 1956). (1905) considered G. communis Feistmantel Concept of the Species - The species under G. indica Schimper. The original G. indica Schimper is distinguished by the photograph and diagram of the specimen, fonowing morphological features (Text-fig. however, show that in G. indica there are lB). few, open, hexagonal meshes near the Leaves broad to linear; apex acute, base midrib and narrow, elongate meshes in contracted; margin entire; midrib broad, SRIVASTAVA - STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA - 42 53

persistent; secondary veins arise at 40°_45°, 1922 G. indica Walkom, pI. 2, figs. 10-13a. meshes broad, elongate, polygonal near 1928 G. indica Edwards, fig8. la, 2. the midrib and narrow, linear, hexagonal 1934 G. indica Harrington, pI. 1, fig. 3. meshes in rest of the leaf. 1941 G. indica Read, pI. 4, figs. 1, 2, 4; Following the above concept the more pI. 5, figs. 1, 2, 5. representative specimens of G. indica 1948 G. indica Dolianiti, pI. 5, fig. 2. Schimper from the published records are 1957 G. indica Archangelsky, pI. 7, fig. 2. sorted out beLw: 1960 G. indica Hc/>eg& Bose, pI. 11, fig. 6; 1828 G. browniana var. indica Brongniart, pI. 14, fig..;. 5, 6. pI. 26, fig. 2. 1962 G. indica Saksena, pI. 1, figs. 1-3. 1861 G. browniana var. indica Bunbury, 1963 G. indica Cridland, pI. 1, figs. 30-32. pI. 8, figs. 1-4. 1965 G. indica Archangelsky & Arrondo, 1881a G. indica Feistmantel, pI. 26, fig. 3; pI. 1, fig. 2. pI. 27, fig. 35; pI. 29, fig. 7. 1966 G. indica Rigby, pI. 34, fig. 40 1890a G. primaeva Feistmantel, pI. 13, (fragmentary) . figs. 3, 3a (Arber, 1905) 1897 G. browniana var. indica Seward, Glossopteris barakarensis Kulkarni, 1971 pI. 21, figs. 2,3. 1902 G. indica Zeiller, pI. 1, figs. 2, 5. PI. 2. fig. 11; Text-fig. 2A-B 1911 G. indica Halle, pI. 2, figs. 1-5. Holotype - Kulkarni, 1971, specimen no. 1914 G. indica Gothan, pI. 1, fig. 1. 34061, B.S.I.P. Museum, Lucknow. 1919 G. indica Lundquist, pI. 1, figs. 6,7. 1923 G. indica d. var. wilsonii Seward & Description - There are four cJmplete Walton, pI. 21, fig. 13. to incomple'ce leaf impressions in the collec- 1934 G. indica Hanington, pI. 1, figs. 1,2. 1957 G. indica Archangelsky, figs. 1,3. 1958 G. indica Archangelsky, fig. 39 1960 G. indica Hc/>eg & Bose, pI. 15, fig. 1. 1962 G. indica Plumstead, pI. 4, figs. 1-5. 1962 G. indica Schopf, pI. 11, figs. la, 1b; text-figs. 4a, b, c. 1962 G. indica Saksena, pI. 1, figs. 1-4. 1965 G. indica Maheshwari & Prakash, pI. 2, fig. 15. 1965d G. indica Maithy, pI. 5, fig. 30 1971 G. indica Kulkarni, pI. 1, fig. 4. The following specimens are regarded as doubtful records of G. indica Schimper: 1881a G. indica Feistmantel, pI. 23, fig. 10; pI. 25, figs. 1, 2; pI. 35, fig. 4; pI. 38, fig. 4. 1928 G. indica Walkom, text-figs. 2, 2a. The following specimens are regarded distinct from G. indica Schimper: 1886 G. indica Feistmantel, pI. 12, figs. 2, 6b; pI. 14, fig. 7. 1902 G. indica Zeiller pI. 1, fig. 1; pI. 2, figs. 1-4; pI. 3, figs. 1-3. 1903 G. browniana var. indica Seward, pI. 13, fig. 1 (fragmentary); pI. 10, figs. 3, 4 (venation not clear). B A 1911 G. indica Halle, pI. 2, fig. 6. 1912 G. indica Seward, pI. 1, fig. 1; pI. 1, figs. 2,3. TEXT-FIG. 2 - A. Glossopteris barakarensis Kul• 1922 G. indica Kurtz, fl. 9, fig. 9; pI. 10, karni, enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf represented on PI. 2, fig. 11 X 3. B. Idealised figs. BB1, B2.. diagram of Glossopteris barakarensis. S4 THE PALAEOBOTANIST

tion. The figured leaf is spathulate to pattern. However, the petiolate condition lanceolate in shape. The size is 11·5 cm which is clearly seen in the holotype is long and 3·0 cm broad at its widest part. not evident in the present specimens, though The apex is aCllte, base contracted and the they show the lateral contracting nature margin is entire. The midrib is distinct, of the margin which indicates a petiolate persistent, 1·5 to 2·0 mm broad near the tendency. base and 1·0 mm near the apex. The secondary veins arise at an acute angle. They dichotomize and anastomose to form moderately close, narrow, polygonal meshes Glossopteris leptoneura Bunbury, 1861 throughout the leaf. The meshes are 3·-5 PI. 2, ·fig. 10; Text-fig. 3A-B mm long and 0·5 mm broad. The density of veins is 18 to 21 per cm near midrib and Typical example from Bunbury, 1861, 22 to 26 per cm near the margin. pI. 9, fig. 2: Leaf complete, 11·8 cm long, Comparison - The specimens fairly re• 0·8 cm broad; apex acute, base tapering, semble with the holotype (Kulkarni, 1971, margin entire; midrib 1·2 mm broad near pI. 2, fig. 13) in their shape and venation the base and 0·5 mm near the apex;

TEXT-FIG. 3 - A. Glossopteris leptoneura Bunbury, enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf represented on PI. 2, fig. 10 X 3. B. Idealised diagram of Glossopteris leptoneura. SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 55

secondary veins arise at acute angle, In view of the above concept, it may be meshes linear, narrow, fine, sIze and noted that the hllc!\Ving specimens which other details of meshes not deter• were described earlier under G. angustifolia minable due to unsatisfactory preserva• Brongniart arc referable to G. leptoneura tions. Bunbury: Description - There are six incomplete 1902 G. angustifolia Zeiller, pI. 4, figs. 3, leaf impressions in the collec'ion. The 3a, 3b, 4. figured leaf is 8-8 cm long and 1-7 cm broad 1934 G. ang~tstifolia Harrington, pI. 2, at its widest part. The shape is narrow, fig. 3. linear. The apex is acute, base absent amI 1958 G. angustifolia Plumstead, figs. 25, 26. margin is entire. The midrib is distinct, 1962 G. angustifolia Plumstead, pI. 8, 1-5 mm broad near the base and 0-5 mm figs. 4-6. near the apex. One characteristic deep 1965d G. angmtifolia Mailhy, pI. 5, fig. 33. striation is present throughod the leng,h 1971 G. angustifolia Kulkarni, pI. 1, fig. 10. over the surface of midrib. The secondary The following specimens arc considered veins arise at an aCtlte angle from the daub, ft"! records (If G. leptoneura Bunbury: midrib and run parallel to the midrib for 1881a G. angustlfolia Feistmantel, pI. 39A, 1 to 2 mm distance, then arch obliquely figs. 1, 2. at an angle of 30° to 35°. They 1905 G. ang'ustifolia Arber, text-fig. 18B dichotomize and anastomose to form linear, 1965 G. a11gust1folia Maheshwari & elongate, fine, 2-9 to 5-0 mm long and 1-0 Prakash, pI. 2, fig. 12. to 1-5 mm broad meshes throughout the lamina. The density of veins is 11 to 15 per cm near the midrib and 12 to 17 per GlJSsopteris fuchsii PIl1ms1 cad, 1962 cm near the margin. Comparison - The present specimens in PI. 3, fig. 14; Text-fig. 4A-B their size, shape and venation pattern fairly resemble with the figure givtn by Bunbury Typical example from Plumstead, 1962, (1861; pI. 9, figs. 1,2,4). pI. 12, fig. 1: Leaf 16 cm long, 4-5 Discussion - Arber (1905) c')nsidered this cm broad; shape linear, lanceolate, apex species under G. angustifolia Brongniart acute, base tapering, ma"gin entire; midrib (1828, pI. 68, fig. 1). The original photo• 2 mm broad, laised; secondary veins graphs of both the specimens, however, arise at acute angle, bends at 70°, then show considerable differences in their vena• follow a straight course to the margin, tion pattern which Bunbury has also noticed bat anastomose seldGm; meshes linear, and distinguished it from the leaves of narrow, 1'0 to 1-5 mm long, 0·3 to 0-5 former species and stated "in G. angusti• mm broad near the midrib; veins 23 to folia the veins appear to be coarse and, 30 per cm. rather distant and sparingly anastomc sing Description - There are three incomplete near the midrib only; in our Kampti plant leaf impressions in the collection. The they are very fine and close and anastomose figured leaf shows lamina only on one side repeatedly throughout their length, even of the midrib which is 12·00 cm long and 3-2 near to the margin " He considered em broad at it s widest part. The apex its resemblance more with G. linearis Mc and base are missing. The margin is entire. Coy but the veins are much more oblique The midrib is distinct, 1·0 mm to 1-5 mm than in that species. Therefore, it seems broad. The secondary veins emerge at necessary to keep G. leptoneura Bunbury, an acute angle, then bend at an angle of G. angustifolia Brongniart and G. linearis 60° and run ± parallel to the margin. They Mc Coy separate. form open, long, linear meshes measuring Concept of the Species - The morphological 5 to 1-0 cm long and 0·6 mm broad near features of G. leptonMtra Bunbury can be the midrib. Afterwards they follow a outlined as follows (Text-fig. 3B). straight course to the margin. They di• Leaves narrow, linear; apex acute, base chotomize but never anastomose to form tapering; midrib narrow, continued to the meshes near the margin. The density apex; secondary veins arise at acute angle, of veins .is 7 to 11 per cm near the oblique, arched; meshes fine elongate, midlib and 18 to 25 per cm near the narrow. margin_ 56 THE PALAEOBOTANIST

TEXT-FIG. 4 - A. Glossopteris fuchsii Plumstead. enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf re• presented on PI. 3, fig. 14 X 3. B. Idealised diagram of Glossopteris juchsii.

Comparison - The present specimens meshes near the midrib linear, narrow, closely compare in their venation pattern meshes seldom formed near the margin. with the specimen described by Plum stead (1962, pI. 12, figs. 1-3; see also observations on a typical specimen given in the begin• Glossopteris conspicua Feistmantel, 1881a ning). This is the first record of G. fuchsii Plumstead from India. PI. 1, fig. 5; Text-fig.5A-B Concept of the Species - In brief the species can be distinguished as follows Typical example from Feistmantel, 1881a, (Text-fig. 4B). pI. 28, fig. 5: Leaf complete, 11·4 cm long, Leaves linear, lanceolate; apex acute, 3·5 cm broad; shape elliptical, apex acute, base tapering; midrib distinct; secondary base tapering, margin entire; midrib 2 mm veins arise at acute angle, bend at 70°; thick near the base and 0·5 mm n~ar the SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 57

Comparison - The present specimens agree in their shape, venation pattern with speci• men of Feistmantel (1881a, pI. 28, fig. 5) which is typical of the species. Concept of the Species - Morphologically G. conspicua Feistmantel can be distin• guished as follows (Text-fig. 5B). Leaves elliptical to lanceolate in shape; apex acute, base contracted, tapering; midrib persistent; secondary veins arise at 40° to 45°; meshes broad, elongate, poly• gonal. In view of the above considerations, some representative specimens of G. con• spicua Feistmantel are sorted below from the published records. 1881a G. conspicua Feistmantel, pI. 28, figs. 1, 5, 6, 8, 9. 1927 G. conspicua du Toit, text-fig. 15A. The following specimens are considered doubtful records of G. conspicua Feist• mantel: 1952 G. conspicua Plumstead, pI. 48, figs. I, 4; pI. 49, fig. 2. 1956 G. conspicua Srivastava, pI. 4, figs. 21, 22. Thf. following specimens are considered distinct from G. conspicua Feistmantel: 1905 G. conspicua Arber, pI. 3, fig. 3. B A 1956a G. conspicua Plumstead, pI. 8, figs. 1,2. TEXT-FIG. 5 - A. Glossopteris conspicua Feist• 1958 G. conspicua var. patagonica Archan• mantel, enlarged line drawing of a part" of the leaf gelsky, pIs. 44, 45. represented on PI. 1, fig. 5 x 3. B. Idealised 1962 G. conspicua diagram of Glossopteris conspicua. d. Plumstead, pI. 6, figs. 5,6. apex; secondary veins anse at an angle of 45°, meshes broad, elongate, polygonal, 0·5-1·5 cm long and 1·5-2·5 mm broad; Glossopteris sp d. G. ampla Dana, 1849 veins 5-8 per cm. PI. 3, fig. 15; Text-fig. 6A-B Description - There are three complete to incomplete leaf impressions in the collec• tion. The figured leaf is elliptical in shape, Typical example from Dana, 1849, measuring 4·3 cm long and 1·5 cm broad. pI. 13, fig. Ib: Leaf shape unknown; The apex is acute, base contracted and only apical portion presl."rved; 5 cm long, margin is entire. The midrib is distinct, 6·8 cm broad, apex broadly rounded, persistent, 2 mm broad near the base and tip broken, margin entire; midrib distinct, o·5 mm broad near the apical portion. 1-2 mm broad; secondary veins arise at The secondary veins arise directly from an acute angle, run at an angle of 50°• the midrib at an angle of 45°. They 60° ; meshes near midrib broad, open, dichotomize and anastomose to form broad, polygonal, 4-6 mm long and 0'6-0'9 mm elongate, hexagonal meshes. The meshes broad, meshes near margin few, narrow, are equal in size throughout the lamina elongate, 8-12 mm long and 0·3-0·5 mm measuring 4 to 6 mm long and 2 mm broad. broad; veins 15-18 per cm near the midrib The density of veins is 4 to 6 per cm. and 20-28 par cm near margin. 58 THE PALAEOBOTA~IST

TEXT-FIG. 6 - A. Glossopteris sp. d. G. ampla Dana, enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf represented on PI. 3, fig. 15 X 3.

Description - There are five, incomplete evident because the veins are very close fragmentary leaf impressions in the collec• Hear the margin. In contrary to this the tion. The figured specimen shows only veins near the midrib are sparse, open and the lower half of the lamina, 9·2 cm long interconnections are, therefore, distinct. and 15·9 cm broad at its widest part. The Cuticular characters have so far not been apieal portion is not preserved, base con• reported. tracted and margin is entire. The midrib Concept of the Species - The morpholo• is distinct, 3-7 mm broad throughout the gical features of G. ampla Dana can be preserved length. The secondary veins summarised as below (Text-fig. 6B). emerge from the midrib at an acute angle Leaves broad spathulate in shape; apex and immediately arch at an angle of 30° obtuse, base contracted, margin entire; to 40° and run parallel to each other. They midrib broad, thick grooved; secondary dichotomize and anastomose to form broad veins arise at angle of 70° to 80°; meshes hexagonal meshes near the midrib and open, polygonal, square near the midrib linear, narrow meshes near the margin. and close, few narrow, linear towards the The meshes are 4 to 7 mm long and O'5 to margm. 0·7 mm broad near the margin. The density The following specimens from the published of veins is 13 to 15 per cm near the midrib records have been regarded as typical of and 20 to 25 per cm near the margin. G. ampla Dana: Comparison - The present specimens 1849 G. ampla Dana, pI. 13, figs. la, lb. compare well with G. ampla (Dana, 1849, 1890a G. ampla Feistmantal, pI. 19, figs. pI. 13, fig. 1b) in their broad shape and in 1, 2. having broad open, polygonal mesh pattern 1908 G. ampla White, pI. 6, fig. 9. near the midrib and narrow, elongate meshes 1922 G. ampla Walkom, figs. 14, 14a, near the margin. However, the midrib 17, 17a. as shown by Dana (1849, pI. 13, fig. la) in 1958 G. ampla Archangelsky, fig. 35. his example is much stronger and broad 1962 G. ampla Plumstead, pI. 6, figs. 1, 4. (1·2 cm) than in the present speci• 1963 G. ampla Cridland, figs. 7, 8. mens. 1966 G. ampla Rigby, pI. 34, fig. 42. Discussion - Dana (1849) has pointed The following specimens are regarded out that the veins rarely anastomose. A a<;distinct from G. ampla Dana: clear examination of photographs (loc. cit.), 1941 G. d. ampla Read, pI. 4, figs. 3, 5. however, shows that anastomosis is present 1957 G. ampla Archangelsky, pI. 1, fig. 1; but the cross connections are not very text-fig. 1a. SRIVASTAVA- STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 59

is pandurate in shape and has a broad, flattened apex, measures 5·5 cm in length and 2·3 cm in breadth at its widest part. The lateral margins show a sudden con• vergence resulting in a cuneate base. The midrib region is occupied by 5-6 longitu• dinal parallel running strands which in due course form secondary veins and ultimately 1-2 strands reach the apex. Each strand bifurcates into secondary veins at an acute angle and reaches the margin at the same angle. They dichotomize and anas• tomose to form narrow elongate meshes of nearly uniform size throughout the lamina. The meshes are 3 to 5 mm long and 0·5 to 1 mm broad. The density of veins is 10 to 13 per cm near the midrib and 15 to 18 per cm near the margin. Comparison - The present specimen fairly compares in its shape and venation pattern with the holotype of G. pandurata, described by Pant and Gupta (1971, pI. 31, fig. 39). Pant and Gupta (1971)instituted this species on its peculiar pandurate shape. The base of the present leaf is, however, somewhat cuneate in comparison to the gradually contracted base in the holotype. It may be added that the specimen of Pant and Gupta has also a flat midrib, as in the present case, traversed by 5-6 parallel run• ning longitudinal strands which in due course form secondary veins and ultimately 1-2 strands reach the apex. Thus the similarities between the two specimens are close.

Glossopteris sp. d. G. intermittens Feistmantel, 1881a PI. 1, figs. 3, 4; Text-fig. 8A-B

Lectotype - Feistmantel, 1881a; specimen no. 5271, G.S.I. Museum, Calcutta. Description - There are three complete to incomplete leaf impressions in the collec• TEXT-FIG. 6 - B. Idealised diagram of Glossop• tion. The figured leaf is spathulate in teris ampla. shape, 6·8 cm long and 2·4 cm broad at its widest part. The apex is broadly rounded, base contracted and margin is entire. The Glossopteris pandurata Pant & Gupta, 1971 midrib is distinct, striated, 3-4 mm broad PI. 1, fig. 6; Text-fig. 7A-B near the base and narrower towards the apex. The secondary veins arise from the H olotype - Pant and Gupta; specimen midrib, they first run parallel to the midrib no. 1180, Allahabad University, India. up to 1-2 mm distance then arch at an angle Description - There is a solitary complete of 50°. They dichotomize and· anastomose leaf impression in the collection. The leaf to form broad, elongate, square meshes 60 THE PALAEOBOTANIST

A B

TEXT-FIG. 7 - A. Glossopteris pandurata Pant & Gupta, enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf represented on PI. 1, fig. 6 X 3. B. Idealised diagram of Glossopteris pandurata.

near the midrib but away from it the veins G. intermittens Feistmantel (1881a, pI. 33, anastomose rarely to form 1 to 2 close, fig. 3) meshes are few and broad near the linear, narrow, hexagonal m'Oshes. The midrib and then they rarely dichotomize meshes are 2 to 4 mm long and 0·6 mm to form narrow, linear meshes. Both the broad near the midrib and 2·5 to 6 mm species are therefore distinct to each other. long and 0·3 mm broad in rest of the The following specimens do not agree lamina. The density of veins is 9 to 12 per. with the lectotype and are considered cm near the midrib and 18 to 22 per cm distinct from G. intermittens Feistmantel: near the margin. 1956 G. intermittens Srivastava, pI. 7, Comparison - The shape and venation fig. 43. pattern of the present specimens stand 1958a G. intermittens Plumstead, pI. 14, nearest to the lectotype selected by Pant figs. 1-3. and Gupta (1968). However, all the speci• 1958b G. intermittens Plumstead, pI. 29. mens described here are in the form of impressions. Cuticular data are not avail• able to confirm and complete the identifi• Glossopteris churiensis sp. novo cation of this species. In view of this the PI. 2, figs. 8, 9; Text-fig. 9A-B specimens are described as Glossopteris sp. d. G. intermittens FeistmanteI. Holotype-Specimen no. 27/1392, B.S.I.P., Discussion - Arber (1905) considered this Lucknow. species under G. browniana Brongniatt but Locality - Churia fire clay pit, Auranga an examination of the original photographs Coalfield, Bihar. of both the species reveals that in G. Horizon <5- Age - Barakar Stage, Lower browniana Brongniart (1828, pI. 62, fig. 1) Permian. the meshes are broad, hexagonal and fre• Diagnosis - Leaves spathulate, apex quent throughout the lamina whereas in obtuse, base contracted; midrib region SRIVASTAVA - STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA - 42 61

A B TEXT-FIG. 8 - A. Glossopteris sp. cf. G. intermittens Feistmantel, enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf represented on PI. 1, fig. 3 X 3. B. Idealised diagram of Glossopteris intermittens. occupied by parallel running strands, they polygonal meshes measuring 3 to 4 mm long dichotomize during upward course, secondary and 0·5 to 1·0 mm broad near the midrib veins bifurcate and anastomose to form but relatively shorter meshes, measuring open, broad, elongate, polygonal meshes 1 to 2 mm long and O·5 mm broad near the throughout the lamina. margin. The density of veins is 10-12 per Description - There are thirteen com• em near the midrib and 20-25 per em near plete or incomplete leaf impressions in the the margin. collection. The figured leaf measures 6·8 Comparison - G. churiensis sp. novo em long and 2·2 em broad at its widest compares in its shape and venation pattern part. Leaves are spathulate in shape with with G. browniana Brongniart but differs an obtuse apex, contracted base and entire in the midrib character. In the former margin. The midrib is not solid but there is no solid midrib. the region being represented by 7 to 12 parallel running occupied by the parallel running strands strands arising from the base which. ulti• which in due course bifurcate to form mately reduce to 2 or 3 strands near the secondary veins whereas in the latter there apex. Each strand runs parallel for 3 to is a distinct solid midrib persistent 4 mm distance and then bifurcate at an throughout the length with striations. In acute angle to form secondary veins which its midrib character G. churiensis sp. novo arch out in the lamina. The secondary resembles G./usa Kulkarni (1971), G. fibrosa veins further dichotomize and anastomose Pant (1958), G. hispida Pant (1958) and to form open, broad, elongate, oblong, G. colpodes Pant (1958) but differs in 62 THE PALAEOBOTAKIST

TEXT-FIG. 9 - A. Glossopteris churiensis sp. nov., enlarged line drawing of a part of the leaf re• presented on PI. 2, fig. 8 x 3. B. Idealised diagram of Glossopteris churiensis. having fairly open, broad, oblong, polygonal ern long and 4 to 5 ern broad. The apex meshes throughout the leaf. and base are not preserved; margin entire. Such types of Glossopteris leaves where The midrib is 1·5 to 2 mm broad, raised the midrib region is occupied by parallel and grooved. The secondary veins arise running strands may easily be confused at an acute angle. They are arched and with the leaves of Gangamopteris. But after dichotomy and anastomoses form closer examination indicates that in Glos• long, linear, narrow meshes. The meshes sopteris the longitudinal strands never are 3 to 5 mm long and 0·3 to 0·5 mm anastomose whereas in the latter the broad. The density of veins is 20 to 25 strands in the median portion always per ern throughout the lamina. anastomose. Pant and Gupta (1968) also Remarks - The species will be dealt in support this view on the basis of their own detaiL in the later paper where the described morphological and cuticular evidences. leaves are well preserved and possess detail nature of shape and venation pattern.

Glossopteris communis Feistmantel, 1876 Glossopteris browniana Brongniart, 1828 PI. 1, fig. 7 PI. 2, fig. 12

Description - The leaves from the Description - The leaves of the Barakar Barakar Stage are incomplete, 5·5 to 8·0 Stage are complete, spathulate in shape, SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 63

4 to 6·5 cm long and 2·2 to 3·5 cm broad. 14. Punctatosporites dulcis Venkatachala & The apex is obtuse, the base is contracted Kar, 1968. and the margin is entire. The midrib is 15. Kagulubeites verrucosus Bose & distinct, 1 to 2 mm broad. The secondary Maheshwari, 1968. veins arise at an a:tgle of 45°. Th~y 16. Densipollenites indicus Bharadwaj, dichotomize and anastomose to form broad, 1962. open hexagonal, square shaped mr:she3. 17. D. invisus Bharadwaj & S3.lujha, 1964. The meshes are 2 to 4 mm long and O'5 to * 18. Potonieisporites sp. 1 mm broad. The density of veins is 12 19. F aunipollenites varius Bharad waj, to 15 per cm throughout the leaf. 1962. Remarks - The species will be discussed 20. F. parvus Tiwari, 1965. in subsequent paper where the leaves are 21. F. perexiguus Bharadwaj & Salujha, more in number and sho v much variation 1965. 22. F. goraiensis (Potonie & Lele) Maithy, 1965. Genus - Vertebraria Royle, 1833 23. Striatites alius Venkatachala & Kar, 1968. Vertebraria indica Royle, 1833 24. S. karharbarensis Maithy, 1965. 25. S. rhombicus Bharadwaj & Salujha, PI. 2, fig. 13 1964. Description - The specimens are incom• 26. S. varius Kar, 1968. plete, branched, 6 to 8·5 cm long and 1·5 27. S. notus Bharadwaj & Salujha, 1964. to 2·5 cm broad, consisting nearly square 28. S. communis Bharadwaj & Salujha, areas in two linear rows which are separated 1964. by 1 to 1·5 mm ridge. The areas are 29. S. subtilis Bharadwaj & Salujha, 1964. transversely separated by 3 to 4 mm broad 30. S. parvus Tiwari, 1965. grooves. 31. S. barakarensis Sinha, 1972. 32. Lahirites parvus Bharadwaj & Salujha, 1964. 2. l\1IOFLORA 33. L. rotundus Bharadwaj & Salujha, 1964. 34. Verticipoll:;nites gilbosus Bharadwaj, The following 53 species and 31 genera 1962. have been recorded from the Barakar as• 35. V. ji'l,itinus Bharadwaj & Salujha, semblages of the Auranga Coalfir:ld. 1964. Species marked with an asterisk have been 36. V. subcircularis Bharo.dwaj & Salujha, described: 1964. 1. Punctatisporites indicus Tiwari, 1968. 37. Cresc!mtipollenites !uscus (Bharadwaj) 2. Cyclobaculisporites proprius Bharadwaj BharadwJ.j, Tiwari & Kar, 1974. & Salujha, 1965. 38. C. brevis (Bose & Kar) Bharadwaj, 3. Acanthotriletes jhariaensis Kar, 1968. Tiwari & Kar, 1974. 4. Lophutriletes rectus Bharadwaj & Salujha, 39. Corisaccites vanus Venkatachala & Kar, 1964. 1966. 5. Granulatisp?rites sp. d. G. trisinus 40. Distriatites indicus Sinha, 1972. Balme & Hennelly, 1965. 41. D. distinctus Sinha, 1972. *6. Lacinitriletes conatus sp. novo 42. Mahudapollenites wilsonii Bandyopa• 7. L. badamensis Venkatachala & Kar, dhyay, 1972. 1965. 43. Sch~uringipollenit3S tentulus (Tiwari) 8. L. 1ninutus Venkatachala & Kar, 1968. Tiwari, 1973. 9. Brevitriletes unicus (Tiwari) Bharadwaj 44. Limitisporites plicatus Bose & Kar, & Srivastava, 1969. 1966. 10. B. levis (Balme & He:tnelly) Bharadwaj 45. L. diversus Lele & Karim, 1971. & Srivastava, 1969. 46. Primuspollenites obscurus Tiwari, *11. Dictyotriletes sp. 1965. 12. Laevigatosporites punctatus Venkata• *47. Aurangapollenites gurturiensis gen. et chala & Kar, 1968. sp. novo 13. Latosporites colliensis (Balme & Hen• 48. Platysaccus densus Kar, 1968. nelly) Bharadwaj, 1962. *49. Cuneatisporites sp. 64 THE PALAEOBOTANIST

50. Striasulcites tectus Venkatachala & Kar, Horizon 0- Age - Barakar Stage, Lower 1968. Permian. 51. S. ovatus Venkatachala & Kar, 1968. Diagnosis - Spore size range 37-53 52. Distriamonocolpites circularis Sinha, X 33-53 fl., amb triangular to subtriangular, 1972. sides ± straight, angles rounded, trilete 53. Kingiacolpites subcircularis Tiwari & rays distinct, reaching equator, as~ociated Moiz, 1971. WIth elevated folds. Exine 1 fl. thick, proxi• mally smooth, distally bears 1 fl. high Anteturma - Sporites Potonie, 1893 and 2 fl. broad cones with occasionally, Turma - Triletes (Reinsch) Potonie & verrucae, elements tending to fuse and Kremp, 1954 larger along the radial portion. Folds Subturma - Azonotriletes Luber, 1935 uncommon. Infraturma - Apiculati (Bennie & Kld• Description - The mark appears thick ston) Potonie & Kremp,1954 due to elevated folds. However, these Subinfraturma - Varitrileti Venkatachala folds are not consistently devleoped. The & Kar, 1965 distal ornament is dominated by coni with occasional verrucae. The bases of elements often tend to fuse forming ~mall ridges. Genus - Ladnltriletes Venkatachala & Kar, Also, the ornament is comparatively larger 1965 and more prominently developed in radial portions, while the interradial margins have Lacinitriletes conatus ~p. novo reduced sculpture or are sculptureless. PI. 3, figs. 16-17; Text-fig. lOA-C Comparison - Lacinitriletes conatus sp. novo differs from L. badamensis Venkata• Holotype - PI. 3, fig. 16; Slide no. 4993. chala & Kar (1965) and L. minutus Venka• Type Locality - Sukri River Section, near tachala & Kar (1968a) in the pre~ence of Gurtur Village, Auranga Coalfield, Bihar. grana/or/and verrucae respectively on distal

A B·

t2tfJi2f0mCfidJC\Af>. c

TEXT-FIG. 10 - A. Lacinitriletes conatus sp. nov., line drawing of the holotype showing trilete mark. and ornamentation X 950. B. Showing the large number of ornamentation on radial portion X 2,500 C. Showing the nature of ornamentation X 2,500. SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 65

side. The present species is distinct In Subturma - Disaccites Cook~on, 1947 having conate elements on distal side. Infraturma - Podocarpoiditi Potonie, Thomson & Thiergart, 1950 Infraturma - Murornati Potonie & Kremp, 1954 Genus - Aurangapollenites gen. novo

Genus - Dictyotriletes (Naumova) Smith & Type Species - Aurangapollenites gurtu• Butterworth, 1967 riensis sp. novo Generic Diagnosis - Disaccate, bilateral Dictyotriletes sp. pollen grains, circular to subcircular, some• PI. 3, fig. 18 times oval in shape; central body proximally intramicro?unctate to intramicroreticulate, Description - Spore size 67 X 55 fl., amb dist ally ,mooth; sacci laterally separated, subtriangular, sides ± straight, angles distally inclined and attached to body. rounded. Exine 3 fL thick, ret.iculate with Distal roots of sacci pitcher-shaped with large lamina. Muri 2-2'5 fL, extend 5-6 a narrow to broad neck (Text-fig. lIB). fL beyond the body, about 17 muri along Sacci attachment zones straight to convex the equator. Size of lumina is 5 X 7-10 fL. and chorter than ver: ical diameter of central The high muri cover the en'ire spore body bodv. with the excep' ion of the contact area where G~neric Description - The grains are are ab,;ent (or reduced) in height. Exine diploxylonoid with a clear central body. of lumina granulose. Trilete rays not The exine is thin, translucent, without any distinct. stria1 ions, grooves or haptotypic mark. Comparison - In its shape and structure Sacci are nearly subcircular and widdy cr the specimen C(lmpares wit h D. muricatus narrowly separated laterally. Distally the (Kosanke) Smit.h & BuHerwu tll (1967) sacci are somewhat constricted near attach• but differs from it in being c( mparativcly ment to form a pitcher-shaped neck. The smaller in size and the project.ion of muri sulcus is narrow and generally £horter than beyond the body is less. the width of the body. Saccus structure is fine to medium intrareticulate. Anteturma - Pollenites Potonie, 1931 Comparison - The present genus differs Turma-Saccites Erdtman, 1947 from all the known nonstriate, disaccate Subturma - Monosaccites (Chitaley) bilateral grains in pos£e£sing a characteristic Potonie & Kremp, 1954 pitcher-shaped saccus. Similar £accus Infraturma - M onopolsacciti Hart, 1965 attachment is found in Verticipollenites emend. Dibner, 1971 Bharadwaj (1962) and Hindipollenites Subinfraturma - Protximalsaccini Dibner, Bharadwaj, (1962) but both the genera 1971 possess striations over the body. A urangajJollenites gen. novo resembles, Platysaccus brevizonatus described by Tiwari Genus - Potonieisporites (Bhardwaj) Bharad• (1968, pI. 8, fig. 58) in its pitcher-shaped waj, 1964 saccus attachment but differs in its large size (115-130 fL) and in the possession of a narrow equatorial rim around the central Potonieisporites sp. body. PI. 3, fig. 19

Description - Size range 80-150 X 57-170 Aurangapollenites gtlrturiensis sp. noVo fL, monosaccate, 40-45.x 50-55 fL, monolete PI. 3, figs. 21, 22; Text-fig. l1A-B mark not very distinct, be dy attachment infold present. Holotype - PI. 3, fig. 21; Slide no. 4993. Remarks - The specimens are rare. They Type Locality - Sukri River Section, compare with P. novic7lS Bhardwaj in the near Gurtur Village, Auranga Coalfield, uniform width of the saccus around the Bihar. body but P. novicus is generally larger in Horizon & Age _. Barakar Stage; Lower size. Permian. 66 THE PALAEOBOTANIST

A B

TEXT-FIG. 11 - A. A urangapollenites gurturiensis gen. et sp nov., line drawing of the holotype showmg non-striate central body and pItcher shaped saccus attachment X 950. B. Line drawmg of the speci• men other than holotype X 950.

COMPARISON AND DISCUSSION Diagnosis - Size range 58-98 X 21-58 (J., central body 25-34 X 25-30 (J., circular-oval; exine thin, intramicropunctate; sacci The megaflora of the Churia fireclay pitcher-shaped near the distal roots; sulcus pit is dominated by the narrow mesh narrow, 2-6 (J. wide. species of Glossopteris, viz., G. indica, G. Description - D ·saccate, bilateral, diplo• communis, G. leptoneura, G. sp. d. G. xylonoid; body sometimes intramicroreti• intJrmittens, G. barakar&fl,sis, G. juchsii and culate; sacci hemispherical, sacci 4 to 7 (J. G. pandurata. The open me~h species like wide, narrowing near distal roots, distally G. conspicua, G. sp. d. G. ampla, G. coming very close; sulcus straight some• browniana and G. ch~triensis are le~s fre• times biconcave, narrow; ~acci intrareti• ql·.ent. culation fine to medium. Recently Maithy (1974a, b) has shown that the narrow me~h forms of Glossopteris are dominant constituent of the Barakar Genus - Cuneatisporites Leschik, 1954 flnra, and this criteria can, therefore, be widely used in identifying the Barakar Cuneatisporites sp. Stage. Maithy's (1971) earlier collections PI. 3, fig. 20 from the Barakar of the Auranga Coalfield also support this contention. The present Description - Size range 130-140X 70-75 detailed study of the Barakar flora demon• (J., disaccate, diploxylonvid, body 65-70 X strates that there are 7 narrow me~h 65-67 (J., circular to subcircular, exine thin, Glossopteris as against 4 open me~h one~. fine intramicroreticulate, ,ulcus st raight Hence, this assemblage can well be consi• 24-28 (J. wide, zones of sacCus attachment dered equivalent to the Barakar flora. full, accompanied by thin narrow folds, The miospore assemblage is dominated sacci subspherical, laterally notched, intra• by the striate-disaccates and trilete~. The reticulation fine. following striate-di~accate genera are Comparison - The specimens compare ql"antitatively important (67-80%): Fauni• with Cuneatisporites sp. B (Tiwari, 1965; pollenites, Striatites and Lahirites. Amongst pI. 8, figs. 184, 185) but in the latter the triletes (15-12%), Brevitriletes and Lacini• distal sulcus is broad (40-50 (J.) and distinctly triletes are important genera. convex. Due to lack of ~ufficient number The following genera are qu.antitatively o! specimens no specific name has been few (1-5%) : Verticipollenites, Distriatites, gIVen. Leiotriletes, Granulatisporites, Lophotriletes, SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 61

Punctatisporites, Latosporites, Crescentipol• in the flora (space varients of Tiwari, lenites, Limitisporites, Kagulubeites and 1974). Distriamonocolpites. It may be concluded that the megaflora Th3 following genera are rare (0'00%): from the Churia fireclay pit locality as well Laevigatosporites, Punctatosporites, Cycloba• as the mioflora from the Sukri River section culisporit!s, DictYJtrilctJs, M icrobaculispora, (near Gurtur locality) are assignable to a DJnsip:Jllenites, Potonieisporites, Hamiapol• Barakar age. The resul1.s are in confcrmity lenites, L imitisporites, Cuneatisporites, with the geological work of Rizvi (1972). Corisaccites, A urangapollenitJs, Platysaccus, M ahudapoll:mites, Sch;uringipollcnites, StY1'a• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS sulcites and Kingiacolpites. The present as~emblagec, dominated by I express my sincere thanks to Dr K. R. striate - disaccate-, viz., Faunipollenites, Surange for his encouragEment and interEst Striatites, Lahirites etc. compare well with throughout the pre~ent study. To Dr K. the upper Barakar assemblage of 1.he M. Lele I am grateful for his valuable Barakar type area (Tinari, 1973) and of guidance and going through the manus• the North Karanpura Basin (Kar, 1973). cript. Thanks are due to Dr P. K. Maithy The significant amount of triletes in Auranga and Dr (Mrs) Shaila Chandra for their Basin may be due to some local variations helpful suggestions.

REFERENCES

ARBER, E. A. N. (1905). Catalogue of the fossil 1840, 1841, 1842 under the command of Charles plants of the Glossopteris flora in the Department Wilkes U.S. No. 10 (Geology) New York. of Geology, British Museum (Natural History) DOLaIAN1TI, E. (1948). A paleobotanic a no Brasil. London. Div. Geol. Min.-Boletin N. 123 Rio de Janeiro. ARCHANGELSKY, S. (1957). Las Glossopterideas DuToIT, A. L. (1927). Fossil flora of the Upper del Bajo dela leona. Revta A soc. geol. aI'gent. Karroo beds. Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 22 (2): 12 (3): 13-164. 290-420. IDEM (1958). Estudio Paleontologico del Bajo de EDWARDS, W. N. (1928). The occurrence of la Leona, Santa Cruz. Acta geol. lilloana. 2: Glossopteris in the Beacon Sandstone of Ferrar 5-133. Glacier, South Victoria land. Geol. Mag. ARCHANGELSKY,S. & ARRONDO, O. G. (1965). 65(769) :323-327. Elementos Floristicos del Permico Argentino I, FEISTMANTEL,O. (1881a). The fossil flora of the las glossopterideas de la •. serie Nueva lu Gondwana System. II. The flora of the becka" Provincia & Chubut. Revta Mus. Damuda and Panchet Divisions. Mem. geol. La Plata.26 (4): 259-264. Surv. India Palaeont. indica. Ser. 12, 3 (2): BHARADWA], D. C. (1962). The miospore genera 78-149. in the coals of Raniganj Stage (Upper Permian) IDEM (1881b). Palaeontological notes from the India. Palaeobotanist. 9 (1-2): 68-106. Hazaribagh and Lohadaga District. Rec. IDEM (1974). Palynological subdivisions of Damuda geol. Surv. India. 14 (3): 241-245. Series. Aspects and Appraisal of Indian Palaeo• IDEM (1882). Fossil flora of the Gondwana System. botany, (Eds. Surange, K. R. et al.) Lucknow.: IV. The fossil flora of the South Rewa Gond• 392-396. wana Basin. .'IIem. geol. Surv. India Palaeont. BHATTACHARYYA,A.. K. (1963). The assemblage indica. Ser. 12, 4 (1): 1-52. of mega-plant fossils from the Lower Gondwana IDEM (1886). The fossil flora of the Gondwana rocks of the western part of the Auranga Valley System. IV. The fossil flora of some of the Coalfield. Palamau District, Bihar. Q. Jl geol. coalfields in Western Bengal. Ibid. 4 (2): 1• Min. metall. Soc. India. 35 (2): 123-128. 66. BHATTACHARYYA,B. (1959). On the Flora of the IDEM (1890). Geological and Palaeontological rela• Auranga Coalfield. Palamau District, Bihar. tions of the Coal and plant bearing age in Eastern Ibid. 31 (1): 23-27. Australia and Tasmania etc. Mem. geol. Surv. BRONGNIART,ADOLPHE (1828). Histoire des vege• N.S.W. (Palaeont.) 3: 1-183. taux fossiles ou Researches Botaniques et GOTHAN, W. (1914) . Die fossile flora des Tete• Geologiques sur les vegetaux renfermess dans Beckens and Sambesi. Branca Festchrift.: 11• les diverse couches du globe. Paris. 15. BUNBURY, C. J. F. (1861). Notes on a collection HALLE, T. G. (1911). On the geological structure of fossil plants from Nagpur, Central India. and history of the Falkland Island. Bull. geol. Q. Jl geol. Soc. Lond. 17: 325-346. Instn. Univ. Upsala. 11: 115-229. CRIDLAND, A. A. (1963). A Glossopteris Flora HARRINGTON, H. (1934). Sobre la presencia de from the Ohio Range Antarctica. Am. J. Bot. restos de Ie flora de Glossopteris en las sierras 50 (2): 186-195. Australes de Buenos Aires Y Su significations DANA, J. D. (1849). Wilkes, United States Ex• dela serie glacial Y series superiores. Revta ploring Expedition, during the years 1838, 1839, Mus. La Plata. 34: 303-338. 68 HE PALAEOBOTANIST

Hq,EG, O. A. & BOSE, M. N. (1960). The Glossopteris SAKSENA,S. D. (1962a). On fossil flora of Ganjra flora of the Belgian Congo. Annis Mus. r. Afr. Nala Bed, South Rewa, Part 1. Macrofossils. cent. Ser. 80 Sci. geol. 32; 1-99. Palaeobotanist. 11 (1 & 2): 23-29. KAR, R. K. (1973). Palynological delimitation of SCHOPF, J. M. (1962). A preliminary report on the Lower Gondwana in the North Karanpura plant remains and coal of the Sedimentary . basin. India. Palaeobotanist. 20 (3): 300-317. section in the Central range of the Horlick KULKARNI, S. (1971). Glossopteris and Ganga• Mountains, Antarctica. F.P.S. Report 2-Project. mopteris species from South Karanpura Coalfield. 1132; 1-61. Ibid. 18 (3); 297-304. SEWARD, A. C. (1897). On the association of LUNDQUIST, G. (1919). Fossil Pflanzen del' Glos• Sigilla'ria and Glossopteris in South Africa. sopteris Flora an Brasiliensis. K. suenska Q. Jl geol. Soc. Lond. 53; 315-338. VetenskAkad. Handl. 60 (3); 1-36. IDml (1903). Fossil flora of Cape Colony. Ann. MAHESHWARI,H. K. & PRAKASH,G. (1965). Studies S. Afr. Mus. 4: 1-122. in the Glossopteris flora of India-21. Plant IDEM (1912). Lower Gondwana plants from the megafossils from the Lower Gondwana ex• Golabagarh Pass, Kashmir. Mem. geol. Surv. posures along Bansloi River in Rajmahal Hills, India Palaeont. indica. n.s. 4 (3): 1-10. Bihar. Palaeobotanist. 13 (2); 115-128. SEWARD, A. C. & WALTON, J. (1923). On fossil MAITHY, P. K. (1965). Studies in the Glossopteris plants from the Falkland Islands. Q. Jl geol. flora of India-26. Glossopteridales from the Soc. Lond. 79 (3): 313-333. Karharbari beds, Giridih Coalfield, India. SMITH, A. H. V. & BUTTERWORTH,A. M. (1967). Ibid. 13 (3); 248-263. Miospores in the coal seams of the Carboniferous IDEM (1971). Fossil flora of the Barakar stage in of Great Britain. London. Auranga Coalfield. ibid. 19 (1); 70-75. SRIVASTAVA, A. K. (1977). Palaeobotanical IDEM (1974a). The Lower Gondwana plants of evidence for thc presence of Karharbari Stage India and their stratigraphic significance. in the Auranga Coalfield, Bihar: Megaflora. C.r. VII. into Stratigr. Geol. Carbonij. Krefeld. Palaeobotanist. 23 (3): 206-219. 1971 (3): 385-390. SRIVASTAVA,P. N. (1956). Studies in the Glos• IDEM (1974b). Megafloristic subdivisions of sopteris flora of India-4. Glossopteris, Ganga• Damuda Series. A spects and A ppraisal of mopteris & Palaeovittaria from the Raniganj Indian Palaeobotany, (Eds. Surange, et al.) Coalfield. Ibid. 5 (1): 1-45. Lucknow: 386-391. SRIVASTAVA, S. C. & ANAND-PRAKASH(1973). PANT, D. D. (1958). The structure of some leaves Palynological studies in Auranga Coalfield. and fructifications of Glossopteris flora of Geophytology. 3 (1); 106-110. Tanganyika. Bull. Br. Mus. nat. Hist. 3 (4): TIWARI, R. S. (1965). Miospore assemblage in 127-176. some coals of Barakar Stage (Lower Gondwana) PANT, D. D. & GUPTA, K. L. (1968). Cuticular of India. Palaeobotanist. 13 (2): 168-214. structure of some Indian Lower Gondwana IDEM (1968). Palynological investigations of some species of Glossopteris Brongniart Pt. 1. coal seams in the Ib River Coalfield (Orissa), Palaeontographica. 124 (B): 45-81. India. Ibid. 16 (3): 222-242. IDEM (1971). Cuticular structure of some Indian IDEM (1973). Pal ynological succession in the Lower Gondwana species of Glossopteris Brong• Barakar type area. Geophytology.3 (2): 166-183. niart Part 2. Ibid. 132 (B) (1-4): 130-152. IDEM (1974). Interrelationships of palynofloras in PLUMSTEAD,E. P. (1952). Description of two new the Barakar Stage (Lower Gondwana), India. genera and six new species of fructifications Ibid. 4 (2): 111-129. borne on Glossopteris leaves. Trans. geol. Soc. VENKATACHALA,B. S. & KAR, R. K. (1965). Two S. Afr. 55; 281-328. new trilete spore genera from the Permian of IDEM (1956). Bisexual fructifications borne on India. Palaeobotanist. 13 (3): 337-340. Glossopteris leaves from South Africa. Palaeonto• IDEM (1968). Palynology of the Karanpura Sedi• graphica. 100: 1-25. mentary Basin, Bihar' India-I. Barakar Stage IDEM (1958a). Further fructifications of the at Badam' Ibid. 16 (1): 56-90. Glossopteridae and a provisional classifications WALKOM, A. B. (1922). Palaeozoic floras of based on them. Trans. geol. Soc. S. Afr. 61: Queensland-I. The flora of the Lower and 51-75. Upper Bowen Series. Qd. geol. Suru. Publ. IDEM (1958b). The habit of growth of Glossopteri• no. 270; 1-64. dae. Ibid. 61: 81-84. IDEM (1928). Notes on some additions to the IDEM (1962). Fossil floras of Antarctica. Trans. Glossopteris flora in New South Wales. Proc. Antarctica. expedition. Sci. Rep. 9: 1-154. Linn. Soc. N.S. W. 53 (3): 255-269. READ, C. B. (1941). Plantas fosseis do Neo• WHITE, D. (1908). Fossil flora of the Coal Palaeozoic do Parana e Santa Catarina. Geol. Measures of Brazil. Com. Est .• ~1inas. Car. De Min. Monogr. 12; 1-102. Pedra. 3: 337-617. RIGBY, J. F. (1966). The Lower Gondwana Floras ZEILLER, R. (1896). Etudes sur quelques pIantes of the Perth and Collie Basins, Western fossiles, en particulier Vertebraria et Glossopterts Australia. Palaeontographica. 118B (4-6): 113• des environs de Johannesburg (Transvaal). 152. Bull. Soc. geol. Fr. 23: 601-629. RIZVI, S. R. A. (1972). Geology and sedimentation IDB1 (1902). Observations sur quelques plantes trends in Palamau Coalfield, Bihar. India. fossils des Lower Gondwanas. Mem. gel Mem. geol. Surv. India. 104: 1-108. Surv. India Palaeont. indica. NS. 2 (1): 1-40. THE PALAEOBOTANIST, VOL. 24 SRIVASTAVA - PLATE 1

2 4 6 SRIVASTAVA-PLATE 2 THE PALAEOBOTANIST, VOL. 24 THE PALAEOBOTAKIST,VOL. 24 SRIVASTAVA-PLATE 3

15 SRIVASTAVA-STUDIES IN GLOSSOPTERIS FLORA OF INDIA-42 69

EXPLANATION OF PLATES

10. Glossopteris leptoneura Bunbury showing PLATE 1 upper part of a leaf with acute apex. Specimen no. 3/1392. X Nat. Size. 1. Glossopteris indica Schimper showing middle 11. Glossopteris barakarensis Kulkarni showing portion of a leaf. Specimen no. 93/1311. X Nat. acute apex and contracted base. Specimen no. Size. 51/1392. X Nat. Size. 2. A portion of the leaf in fig. 2 enlarged to show 12. Glossopteris browniana Brongniart a small the details of venation. X 3. leaf with obtuse apex and distinct midrib. Speci• 3. Glossopteris sp. d. G. intermittens Feistmantel men no. 54/1392. X 2. showing striated midrib. Specimen no. 41/1391. 13. Vertebraria indica Royle. Specimen no. 1/ x Nat. Size. 1398. X Nat. Size. 4. A portion of the leaf in fig. 3 enlarged to show the details of venation. X 2. PLATE 3 5. Glossopteris conspieua Feistmantel showing a complete leaf. Specimen no. 6/1311. x 2. 14. Glossopteris fuehsii Plumstead showing one 6. Glossopteris pandurata Pant & Gupta showing half of lamina with a distinct midrib. Specimen no. a leaf with pandurate apex. Specimen no. 12/ 37/1392. X Nat. Size. 1598.x 2. 15. Glossopteris sp. d. G. ampla Dana showing a 7. Glossopteris communis Feistmantel showing lower part of a leaf. Specimen no. 39/1392. X Nat. median portion of a leaf. Specimen no. 32/ Size. 1392. x Nat. Size. 16. Laeinitriletes eonatus sp. novo holotype. Slide no. 4993. X 500. PLATE 2 17. L. eonatus sp. novo Slide no. 4993. x 500. 18. Dietyotriletes sp. Slide no. 4993. x 500. 8. Glossopteris churiensis sp. novo Holotype 19. Potonieisporites sp. Slide no. 4996. X 500. showing two complete leaves with obtuse apex and 20. Cuneatisporites sp. Slide no. 5000.x 500. contracted base. Specimen no. 27/1392 X Nat. 21. Aurangapollenites gurturiensis gen. et sp. novo Size. holotype. Slide no. 4993. X 500. 9. A leaf in fig. 8 enlarged to show the venation 22-23. A. gurturiensis gen. et sp. novo Slide no. details. X .2. 4993. X 500.