Some studies on the Tertiary deposits of Nigeria, West Africa

Abstract

Fossil leaves of Palms, Terminalia and Combretum have been described for the first time from tin mines of the Jos Plateau in Nigeria. These show affinities with modern vegetation of West Africa. However, Terminalia and Palms seem to have shifted away from the Jos Plateau, which at present has a dominant vegetation of Scrubby and Grassy growth. This is explained to be due to changes in the Soil and Climatic conditions. Some soil studies from the Jos Plateau are presented. The fossils are Terminaliophyllum keayi (new species), T. faggei (new species) and Combretophyllum josiensis (new species).