On the occurrence of two new fossil woods belonging to the family Lecythidaceae in the Tertiary rocks of South India

Abstract

Palynological fossils from 9 exposures representing Katrol (Upper Jurassic) and 5 representing Bhuj (Lower Cretaceous) sediments in Kutch are studied. The dispersed spores and pollen are referred to 65 genera and 161 species besides hystrichosphaerids, dinoflagellates and microforaminfera. It is observed that on the basis of presence or absence of spore-pollen genera Uprer Bhuj sediments (viz. Walkamata and Dayapar sections) can be distinguished from the Katrol sediments; but the fossils of Lower Bhuj sediments (viz. sediments from Trombau and Pat river sections) are closely comparable to those occurring in Katrol sediments. The Katrol sediments can, however, be distinguished from the Lower Bhuj sediments on the basis of 11 restricted species. Three palynological zones established here point out the gradual change of flora during the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous times in Kutch.