Early Cretaceous flora from the Pranhita-
Godavari Basin (east coast of India): taxonomic,
taphonomic and palaeoecological considerations
1 1 | Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Online publication date: 2017-06-15
Publication date: 2017-06-15
Acta Palaeobotanica 2017; 57(1): 13–32
ABSTRACT
The Early Cretaceous flora from the Gangapur Formation (Pranhita-Godavari Basin, east coast
of India) was studied. Its plant diversity and abundance patterns were examined, and its palaeoecology and
environment were interpreted, based on the micro- and macrofloras and sedimentological inputs. The flora is
rich and diverse, and consists of bryophytes, pteridophytes, pteridosperms, gymnosperms and angiosperms. The
microflora shows higher taxonomic diversity and abundance than the macroflora. Overall, the study indicated
an abundance of conifers, particularly Podocarpaceae. The taphocoenosis of the flora comprises local to regional
elements derived from riverbank, floodplain, backswamp and valley settings. Taken together, the data on the
flora and sedimentology suggest that warm and humid environments prevailed.