Glossopteris and Gangamopteris species from south Karanpura coalfield

Abstract

Four species of Gangamopteris and some species of Glossopteris have been described from the shales about 70 feet above Argada 'S' Seam. The dominance of Gangamopteris indicates the Karharbari age. Twelve species of Glossopteris, out of which three are new, have been described from the shales of Argada Seam, Lower Nakkari seam and Upper Nakkari Seam. Glossopteris fusa sp. nov. is distinguished by the evanescent nature of midrib and closely spaced elongate meshes of equal size. Glossopteris barakarensis sp. nov. is distinguished by a petiolate leaf and closely spaced, more or less straight secondary veins which "form narrow polygonal meshes. Glossopteris karanpurensis sp. nov. is distinguished by its large size, arched secondary veins, which run straight to the margin and form open, hexagonal meshes of equal size.