Rhodospathodendron tomlinsonii gen. et sp. nov., an araceous viny axis from the Nawargaon intertrappean beds of India

Abstract

Rhodospathodendron tomlinsonii gen. el sp. nov. a monocotyledonous viny axis has been described from the Deccan interrrappean beds exposed at Nawargaon, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India. The fossil represents a thin aerial stem, endogenous roots and leaf sheaths. Externally it shows scars of roots. Broad and well differentiated cortex of the stem with a distinct vascular system and trichosclereids; vascular region with compact arrangement of amphivasal, compound and trace bundles and angular vessels suggest its close resemblance with Rhodospotha (Subfamily - Monsteroideae) of Araceae.