Plant fossils from the Talchir and coal-bearing Formation of South Rewa Gondwana Basin, India and their Biostratigraphical significance

Abstract

Plant fossils belonging to the Talchir and coal-bearing formations (Lower Permian) of four areas, namely Umaria, Birsinghpur Pali, Anuppur and Chirimiri of the South Rewa Gondwana Basin are described. The Talchir flora is represented by a few species of Gangamopteris and Noeggerathiopsis, while the megafossils from the coal-bearing formation are represented by various species of Glossopteris, Gangamopteris, Noeggerathiopsis and Vertebraria. A new species of Noeggerathiopsis, N. minor, has been recognized. It has also been observed that the flora of the coal-bearing beds in these areas is characterized by the dominance of Gangamopteris and Noeggerathiopsis. This suggests that these beds of the South Rewa Gondwana Basin are equivalent to the Karharbari ‘Stage’ of Peninsular India.