Permian plant mega- and palyno-fossils from Gondwana-equivalent sediments of Kashmir Valley (in Hindi)

Abstract

While revising the megaflora of the Mamal Formation, we came across some leaf specimens in the Dunpathri Member that seemed to have a carbonified crust. Cellulose acetate pulls of the crust were processed for recovery of the cuticles. No cuticles were recovered but the macerate did contain a few monosaccate, disaccate striate and disaccate non-striate pollen. The pollen, though not well-preserved yet are identifiable up to generic level. The genera include Cordaitina, Potonieisporites, Densipollenites, Striomonosaccites, Scheuringipollenites, Cedripites, Protohaploxypinus, Striatites, Lahirites, Gondwanipollenites, Rhizomaspora, Schizopollis, etc. The composition of the palynofloral, and in particular the presence of Schizopollis, suggests that the Dunpathri Member may be equivalent of the basal part of the Barakar Formation. Except for the presence of the genus Cordaitina, this palynofloral has a typical Gondwanan aspect.