Permian Gondwana megaspores from Wardha Basin, India

Abstract

A rich megaspore assemblage has been recorded from the Early Permian Barakar Formation of Umrer Coalfield, Wardha Basin. The assemblage is represented by nine genera and thirteen species. Bokarosporites rotundus, Banksisporites indicus, B. utkalensis, Duosporites congoensis, D. irregularis, Duosporites sp., Barakarella pantii, Talchirella trivedii, Jhariatriletes baculosus, two new species - Biharisporites umrerensis and B. waigaoensis besides the taxa Lagenoisporites sp. and Setosisporites hirsutus. The last two are reported for the first time from India Preponderance of trilete and gulate megaspores indicates a dominance of Cryptogams and an association of gulate forms, in particular, suggests lycopsid affinity. The assemblage indicates prevalence of marshy and humid environmental conditions of deposition.