Carbonised woods of Sterculiaceae and Sapindaceae from Middle Miocene sediments of Kerala Coast

Abstract

Two carbonized woods from Warkalli sediments (Middle Miocene) of Kerala basin have been described. One of them belongs to genus Heritiera Dryand of the family Sterculiaceae and the other two xylotomically allied genera- Euphoria, Litchi and Otonephelium complex of the family Sapindaceae. Occurrence of the wood of Heritiera resembling H. fomes and H. littoralis. provides evidence that the Warkalli beds at Meenkunnu in Kannur District were laid down in coastal environment. These taxa also provide further evidence of the prevalence of tropical warm and humid climate in the area during deposition.